Alleged Racine County 'serial burglar' arrested following high speed chase

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Jan 19, 2023 11:24 AM CDT

RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A man suspected of being a "serial burglar" in Racine County was arrested after fleeing police at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

A Racine County Sheriff's Deputy was monitoring a gas station in the Town of Wind Lake following a recent stretch of at least five burglaries in the area. A suspect vehicle was identified and then seen circling the Wind Lake County Market parking lot.

Reports state that 38-year-old Joseph A. Zupan was the vehicle's driver and was stopped for an equipment violation. Officials noticed that his clothing matched that of the suspect of the burglaries.

When asked to remove his vehicle, officials report that Zupan rolled up his window and drove off heading northbound on STH 36 at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The chase entered Franklin, where the Franklin Police Department assisted in the pursuit, attempting to use spike strips to disable Zupan's vehicle.

Franklin police continued their pursuit as Zupan reportedly entered Oak Creek, eventually driving through the campus of the Milwaukee Area Technical College. The chase finally came to a close after a successful deployment of "stop sticks" and a PIT maneuver to stop Zupan, taking him into custody.

Officials note that a search of Zupan and his vehicle provided evidence linking him to numerous burglaries in Racine County.

Evidence shared by RCSO allegedly connecting Zupan to numerous burglaries.

Zupan is being held at Racine County Jail on a bail of $77,000 for the following offenses:

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
Possession of Cocaine;
Fleeing and Eluding;
Felony Bail Jumping;
Burglary (four counts);
Felony Theft (four counts);
Criminal Damage to Property (four counts);
Recklessly Endangering Safety

In a statement issued by the Racine County Sherriff's Office, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling noted, "The patrol deputies actively monitored potential burglary locations and used proactive policing to stop the suspect. During the pursuit, deputies used their skill and training to ensure the public was not put at risk."

He added, "Ultimately, it was a collaborative effort with the Franklin Police Department that captured Zupan. I extend my thanks to Chief Oliva and the entire Franklin Police Department."