DE SOTO, Wis – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson is reporting that 39-year-old Lukas L. Mesa of De Soto is in custody after fleeing the scene of a reported trespass and eluding officers at another location.
Acording to a Sheriff’s Department report, on Sunday, March 23 at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a report that someone was on private property without permission at a residence along State Highway 82, rural De Soto, in the Town of Sterling. When the property owners attempted to confront the trespasser, the person fled the area to the west in a white vehicle. From the suspect vehicle, it was reported that a handgun was displayed.
The Sheriff’s Office responded, and several items were located near where the vehicle had been parked on private property.
The investigation continued and Lukas Mesa was identified as a suspect.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., deputies from both the Vernon and Crawford County Sheriff’s Offices responded to Ridge Street, in the Village of De Soto pursuant to a report the suspect was parked there. Upon arrival of the first deputy, the suspect vehicle fled and eluded.
The investigation continued into Monday and at approximately 1:30 p.m., Lukas Mesa was taken into custody, without incident, at a residence on Smythe Avenue, in rural De Soto. Mesa was booked on potential charges of:
- Trespassing
- Reckless Driving-Endangering Safety
- Resisting/Failing to Stop/Fleeing
- Bail Jumping
- Operating a Motor Vehicle While Revoked
- Child Support-Warrant
- Probation Violation
Lukas Mesa is expected to appear in Vernon County Circuit Court on Tuesday, March 25, for a bail hearing. Formal charges will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher. A charge is merely an accusation. Mesa is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Also taken into custody, incidental to the investigation, was Nicholas H. Smythe, 37, on a probation violation.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources assisted the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Torgerson would also like to thank the La Farge Fire Department drone team for standing at ready for aerial support.
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation into this incident is ongoing.
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