Two men charged after scrap copper theft investigation in Crawford County

Feb. 24, 2026

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Wis. — The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of scrap copper and radiators taken from a property on Myers Lane, Sheriff Dale McCullick said Saturday.

The investigation led deputies to identify a suspect vehicle and individuals connected to the thefts, prompting a search warrant for stolen property at 17129 County Road T in the Town of Boscobel in Grant County.

On Monday, Feb. 23, law enforcement personnel from the Grant County and Crawford County sheriff’s offices executed the warrant. Two adult males were detained for questioning. One man attempted to flee but was found hiding behind a shed on the property.

The individuals were identified as Joshua McCartney, 22, of Blue River, and David Reed, 53, of Avoca.

According to the sheriff’s office, both men confessed to stealing scrap copper and radiators from the Myers Lane property. Deputies also seized receipts and cash from the sale of the stolen scrap.

McCartney and Reed face charges of theft and trespassing. McCartney was additionally arrested on a warrant out of Richland County.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.