Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WLUK) -- A burglary suspect was held at gunpoint by an employee until police arrived after the suspect allegedly broke into an Ashwaubenon business.
The burglary occurred after business hours Sunday, around 9:30 p.m., at Frost Giant Games on S. Oneida Street.
The business owner, Anthony Folk, tells FOX 11 that he and two of his employees were just blocks away at a fast-food restaurant.
That's when his fiance called him and said she saw someone inside the business. She was notified via surveillance NEST video. Folk then arrived and turned on the lights to check for people.
Folk got to the back of the hallway he saw a person wearing a black hoodie and backpack. Folk chased the person who was eventually able to get outside.
"I just acted on instinct," said Folk.
Folk and that employee, who is a concealed carry permit holder, rushed to the business. Folk said he's not ready to share the security video, but told FOX 11 how the events unfolded.
The employee -- the business isn't sharing his name with us at this time -- waited outside for the suspect with a gun while Folk searched inside for the suspect.
The suspect was attempting to run to a vehicle parked nearby when he was stopped by the concealed carry permit holder.
"(He) pulled his gun out on him and (said), 'get down on the ground, you're under arrest' -- citizen's arrest, basically," recalled Folk.
Folks says the man quickly got on the ground and asked them not to shoot.
Police arrived within minutes and the man was taken into custody.
According to the criminal complaint, $130 was found underneath a nearby car. The employees said they saw him taking the money out of his pocket.
Ashwaubenon Public Safety applauded the employees actions.
"We’re very satisfied with what happened," said Ashwaubenon Public Safety Capt. Jody Crocker. "The situation here was that the burglar could’ve gotten away. The concealed carry holder did exactly what he should do. This was a felony in progress. He also complied with officers as soon as they arrived and did everything right,”
"Conceal carry holders are trained on how and when to use their weapons, and this outcome could not have gone better," said Crocker.
Police are identified the suspect as 31-year-old Eric Elm of Minnesota. They say he is wanted for an extradition warrant out of Minnesota for burglary.
According the the criminal complaint Elm faces three counts:
Formal charges have not been filed against Elm in Brown County. If anyone has any information on Elm, please call Ashwaubenon Public Safety at (920) 492-2995. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward by going online, calling (920) 432-STOP or submitting your tip through the P3 app.