Wisconsin Man Caught Red-Handed After Smashing Car Dealership Windows with Sledgehammer, Police Say
MADISON, WISCONSIN — A 31-year-old Madison man is facing a long list of charges after police say he smashed windows with a sledgehammer during a burglary at a local car dealership late Monday night.
According to the Madison Police Department, officers responded to a report of a break-in around 11:53 p.m. in the 1500 block of North Stoughton Road.
Suspect Found Inside Holding a Sledgehammer
When officers arrived, they found broken glass scattered near a side window of the dealership and immediately began searching the premises.
Police soon discovered a man inside the building, holding a sledgehammer believed to have been used to break the windows and force entry.
The suspect, later identified as Matthew Fogleson, was taken into custody without incident shortly after midnight.
“He was found inside the dealership holding a sledgehammer, surrounded by broken glass,” police said in a release Tuesday morning.
Facing Multiple Burglary and Bail-Jumping Charges
Fogleson was booked into the Dane County Jail on multiple charges, including:
- Multiple counts of attempted burglary
- Multiple counts of criminal property damage
- Multiple counts of felony bail jumping
- Two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping
Police added that he also faces individual charges of burglary and possession of burglarious tools for the incident.
Investigation and Prior History
Investigators believe Fogleson may have been attempting to steal keys or valuables from inside the dealership’s office area. Officers recovered the sledgehammer and other tools from the scene, which were submitted as evidence.
Records show that Fogleson was already out on bail for prior burglary and property damage offenses, making this latest arrest a felony-level violation.
“It’s fortunate that no employees or bystanders were inside the building at the time,” a department spokesperson said. “The suspect caused significant property damage but was quickly apprehended thanks to a fast response.”
The investigation remains active as police review security footage from the dealership and nearby businesses. For more updates on local Wisconsin crime reports and breaking police news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.