Deputies say he interfered with investigation

Matthew M. Schulist-Morena, 22, Waupaca, is charged with obstructing an officer and one count each of felony and misdemeanor bail jumping.

Shortly before midnight on Nov. 11, Waupaca County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Zeamer stopped at the Kwik Trip on West Fulton Street in Waupaca. While he was there, he saw Branden Lindsay, 20, Manawa, in a car at the parking lot.

Zeamer contacted dispatch and was told that Lindsay’s license was suspended and there was a warrant for his arrest for violating absolute sobriety and failure to appear in court.

Deputy James Santiago arrived to assist. As he was standing on the passenger’s side of the car, Santiago noticed a handgun in the back of the vehicle. He alerted Zeamer to the presence of a gun.

Zeamer told Lindsay to step out of the car and not reach for anything in the back seat.

According to the criminal complaint, Lindsay exited the vehicle, then made a call on his cellphone to arrange for somebody to pick up his car.

As the deputies were in the process of arresting Lindsay, Schulist-Moreno arrived and walked to the front of Lindsay’s car, the complaint says.

Santiago and Zeamer told Schulist-Moreno to walk away, but he refused.

Zeamer asked Schulist-Moreno for identification, but he reportedly said he did not have to give the deputies that information.

Zeamer advised him that if he did not leave, he would be arrested for interfering with an investigation.

Schulist-Moreno then placed his left hand into his pocket. Zeamer asked if he had a weapon. Schulist-Moreno allegedly said, “I’ll show you,” and began removing his hand.

Zeamer and Santiago grabbed his arms and arrested him.

Schulist-Moreno has two pending criminal cases in Waupaca County Circuit Court.

On Aug. 10, he was charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He was released from custody on a $1,000 signature bond.

On Sept. 30, he was charged with felony bail jumping and misdemeanor theft. He was released from custody on a $2,000 signature bond.

Lindsay was subsequently cited for having open intoxicants in his car and for underage drinking.

The gun in the back seat turned out to be an airsoft pellet pistol.

Lindsay’s prior criminal convictions include obstructing an officer, bail jumping, theft and criminal damage to property. He is currently on probation.