Officer finds concealed, stolen weapon
Malachi J. Skruch, 20, Shawano, is charged with concealing a stolen firearm, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and possession of property with an altered identity number.
Shortly before midnight on Jan. 28, Clintonville Police Officer Tyler Bartel observed traffic going to a residence on Bennett Street.
He was aware of prior suspected drug activity there.
Bartel followed one of the vehicles as it left the area.
The officer reported the license plate lamps were malfunctioning and pulled over the vehicle on 12th Street.
According to the criminal complaint, the driver, who has not been charged since this incident, seemed nervous.
Three occupants were in the vehicle, with Skruch in the back seat.
Bartel reported the driver’s “hands were trembling and her voice was shaking.”
Bartel asked Skruch to exit the vehicle.
Skruch reportedly told the officer he had a firearm in the front pocket of a sweatshirt that was underneath his jacket.
Bartel found a .22-caliber handgun.
Its serial number had been scratched off, the complaint says.
Skruch did not have a concealed carry permit.
Skruch reportedly said he purchased the gun for about $300 from “a friend of a friend of a friend” at a party in Wausau.
He was released from custody on a $2,000 signature bond.