Media Release: Gun-Related Offenses and Gun Violence Initiative
September 14, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OSHKOSH POLICE DEPARTMENT
________________________________________
Date: 9/14/2026
Time: 9:30 AM
Contact: Lt. Brett Robertson
Criminal Investigation Division
(920) 236-5700
Subject: Oshkosh Police Department’s Gun-Related Offenses and Gun Violence Initiative Leads to 53 Firearms Seized in Summer 2026.
OSHKOSH, WI (September 14, 2026): Oshkosh Police Department’s Gun-Related Offenses and Gun Violence Initiative Leads to 53 Firearms Seized in Summer 2026.
The Oshkosh Police Department is recognizing the exceptional work of its officers, detectives, and investigators from the Criminal Investigation Division and Vice and Narcotics Unit, as well as law-enforcement partners and community members who support our efforts during the summer of 2026 as part of the Department’s ongoing weapons initiative.
Through coordinated enforcement efforts, officers seized?14 firearms during July alone. These seizures resulted from proactive policing, timely intelligence, thorough follow-up investigations, and effective collaboration among Department personnel and partner agencies.
The initiative emphasizes identifying and addressing individuals involved in unlawful firearm possession and firearm-related offenses before violence occurs. Information developed through lawful investigative methods—including community contacts, interviews, and intelligence gathered during active investigations—directly contributed to multiple arrests and firearm recoveries.
Firearms were seized from patrol calls for service, such as a May 2026 incident related to a traffic incident where a 32-year-old male pointed a firearm at another vehicle. Patrol officers located the vehicle, and a search of the car resulted in officers locating a handgun. The male was taken into custody and has since been indicted federally for weapons-related offenses.
Other firearms were seized as a direct result of proactive narcotics investigations and search warrants conducted by our Vice and Narcotics Unit. Additional seizures resulted from operations conducted by the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (LWAM), U.S. Marshals Service arrest operations, and firearm investigations conducted by detectives assigned to our Criminal Investigations Division. Detectives and investigators conducted arrest and search warrant operations directly related to persons illegally possessing firearms and using them during the commission of a crime.
In August 2026, detectives and investigators from our Criminal Investigations Division conducted a search warrant in Oshkosh. Detectives took a 33-year-old male into custody who had a 9mm handgun and a large amount of cocaine and meth in his possession. Approximately 1 ounce of cocaine and 4 ounces of methamphetamine were seized during this operation.
The defendants range in age from 13 to 48 years old.
Many of these cases are being prosecuted by the?Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office. Cases with a potential federal nexus are often reviewed by the?United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin?for possible federal indictment. Charges associated with these investigations have included narcotics-related offenses, intentionally pointing a firearm at a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, carrying a concealed weapon, and recklessly endangering safety. Several cases remain under investigation, including matters awaiting forensic testing.
“The results achieved this summer reflect deliberate, thoughtful police work,” said Chief Dean Smith. “Our personnel are using information, partnerships, and proactive enforcement to remove unlawfully possessed firearms and firearms used in crimes from our community. Their continued commitment makes a meaningful difference for those who could be impacted by crime.” The Oshkosh Police Department will use all necessary legal means to reduce gun-related violence and crimes.
The Oshkosh Police Department will continue working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), prosecutors, and other law-enforcement partners to investigate firearm-related crimes, pursue accountability, and reduce the risk of gun violence in the community.
The Oshkosh Police Department remains committed to investigating crimes of this nature. The presence of illegal drugs, drug dealers, and unlawfully possessed firearms poses a threat to public safety and quality of life in our community. The department will not tolerate the distribution, sale, or possession of illegal narcotics, nor will we tolerate the illegal possession of firearms within our city. We will continue to work tirelessly, utilizing all available resources to identify and apprehend those individuals who engage in these destructive behaviors. We stand united with our community in the fight against drugs and illegal gun activity, ensuring Oshkosh remains a safe place for all.
If you have information about this incident, but wish to remain anonymous, please contact the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at (920) 231-8477; or add the free P3 App to your Apple or Android phone and add a tip; or go to www.winnebagocrimestoppers.org to submit a text tip.? If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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