APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Appleton Police say tips from community members helped them locate a man who threatened someone with a gun and had the intent to shoot a family member.
22-year-old Leland D. Schroeder was arrested Sunday afternoon after officers were dispatched for a disturbance in the area of Clark Street and Roosevelt Street.
Schroeder allegedly threatened another man with a gun and then fled by vehicle.
Officers located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The man refused to pull over and started a high-speed chase.
Appleton Police Officer Meghan Cash says community members in the area of the disturbance contacted police to inform them of the direction the vehicle was going since it was driving in a residential area.
“People flagged officers down and we had several calls to 9-1-1 saying they saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.”
With the help of several citizens, the vehicle was later found abandoned.
“It would have taken a lot more time and resources. We would have still located that male, but I don’t think it would have been as quickly as it was.”
After a search in the North Durkee Street neighborhood, Schroeder was found and taken into custody.
Officers were also able to locate the handgun.
It was during questioning that police learned that Schroder was intending to commit another crime.
“His intentions were to take that gun with him and shoot a family member,” said Cash.
Charges of Reckless Endangerment, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felony Eluding, Possession of Methamphetamine and Disorderly Conduct are being referred to the Outagamie County District Attorney’s Office.
