Fraud suspect found hiding in Racine County attic, police say

ELKHORN, Wis. (CBS 58) --- The Racine County Sheriff's Office arrested a man for fraud after finding him hiding in an attic in Elkhorn on Tuesday, March 8. 

The Racine County Sheriff's Office say they developed Michael Myers as a suspect in numerous fraud investigations in southeastern Wisconsin.

While serving a search warrant in Elkhorn, Myers was discovered to be in the attic and refused to surrender to law enforcement, officials say.

The apartment building was evacuated during the incident.

After approximately 90 minutes, police say Myers attempted to evade officers by breaking through an attic wall and entering a neighbor's residence.

Law enforcement officers were waiting in the neighbor's apartment and took Myers into custody without further incident, according to a news release.

Myers was transported to the Racine County Jail and is the following charges were recommended to the Racine County District Attorney's Office: Unauthorized use of an individual's personal identifying information (two counts), theft by fraud, and misdemeanor bail jumping (three counts). 

Officials say this is an ongoing investigation as other victims have been identified in other jurisdictions. 

The Racine County's Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Bureau was assisted by law enforcement officers from the Walworth County Sheriff's Office and the City of Elkhorn Police Department. 

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud please visit identitytheft.gov. To report an incident of fraud please contact local law enforcement, in Racine County please call Racine County Communications Center at 262-886-2300 to speak with a Deputy or Officer.