Milwaukee Raids Lead to Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Gun Seizures After Washington County Overdose; One Suspect Arrested, Another Still at Large
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — A series of coordinated police raids in Milwaukee has led to the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of dangerous drugs and firearms connected to a July fatal overdose in Washington County. Authorities say another suspect remains at large.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, two tactical operations were carried out early Thursday morning as part of an ongoing investigation into a deadly overdose in the Town of Farmington. The case has been under joint review by the Washington County Major Crimes Unit and the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations Overdose Death Initiative (ODI).
First Raid Yields Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Firearms
The first operation took place near Willis and Lisbon Avenues in Milwaukee. Tactical teams from the Wisconsin DCI and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office SWAT executed a search warrant linked to the Farmington overdose case.
Inside the home, officers discovered a major stash that included:
- 32 grams of fentanyl
- Approximately 100 grams of cocaine
- Two firearms
A Milwaukee man was arrested on local drug and weapons charges. Authorities say this discovery directly ties to the ongoing homicide investigation stemming from the overdose death.
Second Raid Brings Arrest in Reckless Homicide Case
A second operation occurred later Thursday morning near 51st Street and Hampton Avenue in Milwaukee — a location previously searched in August for the same case.
There, investigators executed arrest warrants for reckless homicide. One suspect, 52-year-old Andrew Outlaw, was arrested without incident.
Outlaw made his initial court appearance later that day in Washington County Circuit Court, where his cash bond was set at $250,000. He remains in custody at the Washington County Jail.
Second Suspect Remains on the Run
Authorities are still searching for 40-year-old Ryan Immel, a former Washington County resident who had been staying at the Hampton Avenue residence.
Immel was not present during the raid, and investigators believe he may be hiding in the La Crosse area. He is wanted on first-degree reckless homicide charges, which carry a possible 60-year prison sentence if convicted.
The sheriff’s office is urging anyone with information on Immel’s whereabouts to contact local law enforcement or email Lt. Tim Kemps at tim.kemps@washcowisco.gov.
Sheriff Praises Partnership and Warns Drug Dealers
Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis credited the success of the operation to strong interagency cooperation with the Wisconsin DCI Overdose Death Initiative.
“This group continues to be an invaluable partner with our agency,” Schulteis said. “It’s because of this collaboration that our investigators can bring drug dealers to justice anywhere outside our jurisdictional boundaries.”
He added a pointed warning to drug traffickers operating across county lines:
“Many of these drug dealers feel they can operate with impunity. When they see a Washington County armored rescue vehicle rolling down Milwaukee streets, I hope they think twice.”
Ongoing Investigation
Both Outlaw and Immel face up to 60 years in prison if convicted of reckless homicide. Officials say more arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
“This case isn’t over,” the sheriff’s office confirmed. “Additional individuals could be charged in connection with the overdose death.”
What do you think — should Wisconsin increase penalties for drug suppliers linked to overdose deaths, or focus more on prevention and treatment?
Share your thoughts and follow continuing crime updates at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.