Shawano Suspect In Hand

From the Shawano Leader.

Good work by all services that were involved. Suspect in custody. Caroline has to be happy today.

"Gillett woman charged in early morning attempted burglary
By Tim Ryan, Leader Reporter

A Gillett woman accused of brandishing a hatchet during an attempted burglary before being disarmed by the 81-year-old homeowner Friday morning was on probation for another burglary incident in Oconto County when the alleged crime was committed, according to court records.

Rebecca M. Mason, 39, was charged in Shawano County Circuit Court Friday with three felony counts, including burglary to a dwelling, burglary armed with a dangerous weapon and first degree reckless endangerment.

Because of her previous conviction, Mason could face enhanced penalties for each of the alleged crimes if found guilty. She faces a maximum possible penalty of 21 years imprisonment for each for the two burglary counts and 18 and a half years imprisonment for reckless endangerment. The charges also carry $125,000 in fines.

Mason allegedly broke into the Shawano home of Caroline Rohde around 2 a.m. Friday. Rohde initially called police with a noise complaint, but after Rhode hung up the phone with the police, she heard glass breaking. She then confronted a woman brandishing an object in the kitchen, according to the police narrative in the criminal complaint.

Rhode told police she got the intruder in a bear hug and disarmed the woman of what she had been brandishing. It was only then, as the intruder fled, that Rhode realized the object was a hatchet, according to the criminal complaint.

The Shawano Police K-9 Unit searched the area and other officers collected evidence at the home to send to the state crime lab in Madison. The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, along with several off-duty Shawano Police officers, assisted in the investigation, noted Capt. Jeff Heffernon.

Rohde believed the woman was the same person she helped on Nov. 1. Rohde said a woman came to the door at 5:45 a.m. that day and asked to use the phone. The woman called a taxi and left without incident.

Menominee Tribal Police have Mason in custody on an outstanding warrant. She will be extradited to Shawano County for her initial appearance on these charges, authorities said." Shawano Leader