KNAPP, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities in west-central Wisconsin are searching for a 23-year-old man with active felony warrants who allegedly said he would rather get into a shootout with law enforcement than return to jail.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called around 5 p.m. on Sept. 30 to a residence on McKenna Road in the Township of Knapp after a citizen reported seeing Austin Z. Juracich, 23.
Officials confirmed Juracich had felony warrants and was reportedly armed with a firearm. Deputies said he also made threatening comments about engaging in a shootout if confronted.
Deputies responded to the area and attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender, but efforts were unsuccessful. A thorough search of the home and surrounding property was conducted, and additional strategies were used to try to locate Juracich, but he was not found.
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By about 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, authorities cleared the scene. Deputies later canvassed the area to alert residents that Juracich remained at large and was believed to be armed.
Authorities urge the public not to approach Juracich. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
