Oshkosh Police investigate rash of vehicle entries

The Oshkosh Police Department has recently investigated many thefts from vehicles, including several incidents involving stolen firearms. In multiple cases, those firearms were later found in the possession of juveniles. Since September 27, 2026, there have been 33 reported cases of theft from vehicles or vehicles entered without the owner’s consent. Of these cases, 14 involved vehicles that were left unlocked. Three firearms were taken from vehicles- two firearms from an unlocked vehicle.

On October 5, 2026, an Oshkosh resident confirmed that two loaded handguns were stolen from their unlocked vehicle. On October 6, 2026, Officers from the Oshkosh Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and SWAT Team executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1000 Block of Durfee Avenue in the City of Oshkosh. The search warrant was issued in connection with an investigation into numerous thefts from vehicles as well as a robbery. 

The following individuals were taken into custody today:

• Investigators located a 16-year-old male suspect in the 1000 block of Witzel Avenue. When investigators attempted to make contact with him, the male attempted to flee. During the struggle to take this male into custody, the 16-year-old removed and presented a handgun that was concealed on him. Investigators were able to disarm him and take him into custody. One Officer was injured during the struggle after striking their head on the ground. The Officer was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The male was taken into custody for Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon, Felony Resisting-Causing Injury to Law Enforcement Officer, Theft of a Stolen Firearm, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The 16-year-old was armed with a loaded 9MM semi-automatic stolen handgun. The firearm had been stolen from an unlocked vehicle. He was transported to Fond Du Lac Secure Detention Facility.

• A 15-year-old male was located in the residence in the 1000 Block of Durfee Avenue. He was taken into custody for Burglary, Theft of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Habitual Runaway. He had a loaded 9MM semi-automatic stolen handgun in his possession. The firearm had been stolen from an unlocked vehicle. He was transported to Fond Du Lac Secure Detention Facility.

• A 46-year-old female was located in the residence in the 1000 Block of Durfee Avenue. She was taken into custody for Misdemeanor Bail Jumping, Felony Possession of THC (2nd offense), and Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor. 

The Oshkosh Police Department contacted Lourdes Academy and maintained direct communication with the principal throughout the incident. This ongoing coordination helped ensure that students and staff were informed, appropriate safety measures were in place, and everyone remained safe. 

Our Criminal Investigation Division continues to work diligently to investigate these theft-from-vehicle incidents.

Please help prevent vehicle break-ins and keep firearms out of the hands of juveniles by removing all valuables from vehicles. Always lock your vehicle, close the windows completely, and avoid leaving items such as purses, wallets, firearms, electronics and keys in plain view.

If you must transport a firearm, secure it and do not leave it unattended in an unlocked vehicle. Firearms that are stolen by juveniles can have serious and potentially life-changing consequences.

A few steps, such as removing valuables, including firearms, and locking your doors, can help reduce crimes of opportunity and improve community safety.

If you have information about this incident, but wish to remain anonymous, please contact the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at (920) 231-8477; or add the free P3 App to your Apple or Android phone and add a tip; or go to www.winnebagocrimestoppers.org to submit a text tip.  If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.