Michigan Resident Apprehended Following Multi-Day Search After Attempted Residential Burglary in Columbia County

Timothy Sadowski was arrested in Columbia County, WI, after an attempted home invasion and a search involving drones and K9 units near Poynette.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 4:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WMTV 15 News

Public Safety Alert Triggers Intensive Manhunt

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office initiated a large scale search operation Tuesday evening after a disturbance on Interstate 90/94/39. Reports indicate that Timothy Sadowski exited his vehicle and fled into a wooded area, prompting a 911 call roughly thirty minutes later regarding an attempted break-in near County Highway V and Voss Road. Despite the deployment of multiple K9 units and thermal drones, the suspect initially evaded capture under the cover of the dense terrain. The incident led officials to issue an emergency alert to local residents, though a clerical error in the road name within the message caused temporary confusion regarding the search perimeter.

Discovery and Arrest Near Village Limits

The search concluded Wednesday morning when a tip regarding a suspicious individual led officers to County Highway CS, just outside the Village of Poynette. Members of the Poynette Police Department responded to the call and identified the pedestrian as Sadowski, linking him directly to the previous night’s attempted home invasion. Following his identification, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Columbia County Jail. Authorities confirmed that Sadowski was the primary person of interest sought in connection with the Dekorra disturbance.

Expanding Scope of Criminal Allegations

While Sadowski is currently facing charges of attempted burglary, criminal damage to property, and disorderly conduct, investigators believe his activities were more extensive. Evidence suggests that the suspect may have entered several vehicles and buildings within the northwest quadrant of the Village of Poynette during his time as a fugitive. Local law enforcement has urged residents to inspect their property and report any missing items to the Poynette Police Department as they work to compile a full account of the suspect’s movements.