Janesville Gun Theft Suspect Expressed Interest In Carrying Out ‘Several Attacks,’ Authorities Say

Law enforcement officials say a man suspected of stealing multiple guns from a Janesville gun shop discussed plans to attack several different “unspecified targets” with an unnamed associate.

At a press conference Friday morning with local, state and federal law enforcement, officials said 32-year-old Joseph Jakubowski wrote a 161-page manifesto that was sent to President Donald Trump at the White House.

Rock County Sheriff Robert Spoden described the document as “anti-government” in tone, and said Jakubowski had been “highly agitated by national politics recently.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit has evaluated the document to understand Jakubowski’s mindset and to look for new leads or evidence.

Authorities stressed Jakubowski is considered armed and dangerous, and that anyone who sees Jakubowski should not approach him. He is suspected of stealing 16 guns, including an automatic assault rifle, and is believed to have obtained a bulletproof helmet and vest.

Along with the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement, representatives from the United States Secret Service, the FBI and the state Division of Criminal Investigation were present at the press conference. Justin Tolomeo, special agent in charge from the FBI, announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Jakubowski’s arrest.

As a precautionary measure, Janesville and Milton school districts canceled school Friday after receiving word from law enforcement that Jakubowski was still at large, according to the Janesville Gazette and the Milton School District’s website.

The Janesville School District sent out an email notifying parents Thursday night. All district club and sports programs were canceled as well.

Milton School District posted a notification to its website early Friday morning, saying “with the current situation still unresolved it is our decision that for the safety of our families and staff, the district should close for the day.”

The Milton School District said information regarding extracurricular activities scheduled for Friday night will be shared throughout the day with families and students via email.

Five other area school districts are either on a heightened alert status, or in what is called a soft lockdown, meaning recess is held indoors and high school lunch is restricted to on campus. Those school districts are Edgerton, Delavan-Darien, Whitewater, Elkhorn and Lake Geneva.

The Gazette reports law enforcement indicated no threats had been directed at specific schools, students or school staff.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who has seen Jakubowski call its tip line at 608-755-3100, or dial 911.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 1:45 p.m. Friday April 7 to include information from the press conference.