Firearms Offense - North Freedom

NEWS RELEASE

FIREARMS OFFENSE – NORTH FREEDOM

On January 27, 2022 at approximately 01:30am, the Sauk County Communications Center received a report of gunshots in the Village of North Freedom.  The caller, who lived in the area, reported hearing 3 gunshots and described a male subject who was observed walking in the area.  The caller was able to provide a direction of travel and updated location to dispatchers. 

A Sauk County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived in the area shortly after the initial call.  The deputy encountered a male subject fitting the suspect’s description in the area described by the caller.  The suspect was identified as Owen W. Haskins, age 17, of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.  Owens was detained by the deputy.  The deputy located a concealed, loaded handgun in the front pocket of Haskins’ sweatshirt. 

Subsequent investigation resulted in the discovery of three spent shell casings near the location where Haskins had been standing when confronted by the deputy.  Investigating deputies also discovered a nearby home in the 100 block of W. Freedom Street had been struck by three bullets.  Haskins was acquainted with people who lived in the home.  Detectives also learned that Haskins had displayed the firearm during a preceding argument with residents of the home. 

Haskins was arrested and transported to the Sauk County Jail.  The following charges were filed against Haskins by the Sauk County District Attorney’s Office:    

     2nd – Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety (Use of a Dangerous Weapon
     Endanger Safety/Reckless Use of Firearm
     Intentionally Point Firearm at Person
     Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Person under 18 years of age
     Resisting or Obstructing an Officer
     Criminal Damage to Property (Use of a Dangerous Weapon)

Haskins made his initial court appearance on the above charges on January 31, 2022.  Sauk County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Klicko set Haskins’ bond at $7,500 cash with several special conditions.

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff