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Fayette County authorities have arrested a man on charges connected to a sting of thefts in southwest Wisconsin.

Richland Center, Wis., police identified the suspect as 27-year-old Alex VanErp of Faribault, Minn.

Officials alleged that VanErp stole two vehicles and unsuccessfully tried to break into a hunting outlet store in Richland Center. Authorities said he also stole a handgun from another unlocked vehicle.

Authorities later reported that that VanErp was seen in Prairie du Chien, Wis., driving a truck pulling a flatbed trailer hauling two tractors and lawn equipment that was allegedly stolen. Prairie du Chien police said VanErp and woman checked into a local hotel Thursday evening.

Authorities said VanErp stole a trailer from Nelson's True Value in Prairie du Chien and transferred the tractors from his flatbed trailer onto the hardware store’s covered trailer. VanErp is also accused of stealing a computer tower and cash from the hotel where he was staying.

According to authorities, the computer tower taken by VanErp was not connected to the hotel’s security system They said the hotel's camera photographed the suspects and the stolen property. Police posted images of VanErp, the woman and the stolen property to social media Friday and asked for the public's help in identifying the man and locating the property.

Richland Center police said VanErp was arrested in northeast Iowa Friday morning. According to authorities, Fayette County sheriff's officials recovered the stolen property and arrested VanErp.

Courtesy: Prairie du Chien (Wis.) Police Dept.
Courtesy: Prairie du Chien (Wis.) Police Dept.
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