Schools close, lock down due to suspect on the loose

JANESVILLE, Wis. — Numerous schools in southern Wisconsin are closed Friday as a manhunt connected to the burglary of a gun shop continues.

Authorities are seeking 32-year-old Joseph A. Jakubowski in connection with the theft of guns from the Armageddon gun and ammo shop on Highway 14 in Janesville on Tuesday night.

The sheriff’s office said in a news release Thursday night that authorities received information in the early morning hours Thursday that Jakubowski “has been highly agitated recently regarding a variety of political issues.”

The sheriff’s office said it learned in the early morning hours Thursday that he had made threats to steal weapons and to use them against public officials or at an unspecified school.

On its Facebook page, the Janesville School District said shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday that it would cancel school Friday. It said the decision was made based on information from Janesville police and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Parents will be notified via the school alert system.

The Milton School District said if police are still searching for Jakubowski at about 6 a.m. Friday, that schools will be closed Friday.

Parkview Schools, UW – Rock County and Blackhawk Tech will also be closed Friday.

Edgerton and Fort Atkinson schools will be under a non-emergency lockdown Friday, the districts said on their websites.

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