Wisconsin Rapids Man Facing Charges for a Home Invasion Appears in Wood County Court

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 -- 12:00 PM

A Wisconsin Rapids man charged for a home invasion incident back in April appeared in Wood County Court on Monday.

During the week of April 8th, the City of Wisconsin Rapids Police Department took a report of an individual who entered a home and held two individuals at gunpoint for several hours while he demanded property. This individual was identified as Austin Knuesel.

During the incident while inside the residence, Knuesel discharged one round into the ceiling. It was reported that Knuesel was in possession of a sawed-off shotgun during the assault.

When Knuesel left the residence he made comments that if he did not receive his property, he would come back and kill everyone in the house. On April 13th, the Wood County Sheriff's Department confirmed the location of Knuesel and executed a search warrant at his residence on CTH D in the Town of Sigel, Wood County.

Knuesel was arrested without incident and a sawed-off shotgun was located inside of his residence. Also located inside the residence was a large quantity of suspected marijuana.

On April 15th, the Wood County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant in connection to the shooting in the City of Wisconsin Rapids. Evidence of the shooting was recovered and four individuals were taken into custody after a short standoff.

In one case, Knuesel is facing two counts of armed robbery, three counts of 1st-degree recklessly endangering safety, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a short-barreled shotgun/rifle, and three counts of bail jumping.

In another case, he’s facing charges of a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a short-barreled shotgun/rifle, three counts of bail jumping, and possession of THC.

The Wood County Sheriff's Department was assisted by the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department during both search warrants. No individuals were injured during the shooting incident or during the apprehension of the suspects.

During his court appearance on Monday, he entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him in both cases.

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