Wisconsin Rapids Man Sentenced for Home Invasion

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 -- 2:00 PM

A Wisconsin Rapids man charged for a home invasion incident back in April was sentenced 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. Back in October, Knuesel pleaded guilty to armed robbery and 1st-degree recklessly endangering safety.

Several other charges were dismissed and read in. Knuesel was sentenced to 7.5 years in state prison and 12.5 years of extended supervision. According to court records, 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.

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.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.