Between August 30, 2024, and February 19, 2025, the Stanley Police Department received five separate reports of vehicles that had been stolen within the city. Three of these reports were received in the fall of 2024, while two were reported mid-February 2025. All the vehicles were recovered in these cases after having sustained damage due to being involved in crashes. Additionally, all these thefts involved vehicles that were left unlocked with keys inside of them at the time that they were stolen.
Two of the three cases that were reported in the fall of 2024 had been solved and charges had previously been forwarded to Chippewa County Juvenile Intake against the juveniles involved. The third case from the fall of 2024 was an open investigation that we were actively working on obtaining additional information on.
The remaining two vehicle theft complaints we received most recently in February of 2025 included a vehicle that was stolen from the parking lot of the Grant Street apartment complex. This vehicle was recovered the same day it was reported stolen on 370th Street/Fairview Avenue, north of 90th Avenue, after being abandoned in the ditch after crashing. The other vehicle was stolen from the 200 block of East Fifth Avenue and was recovered in the ditch near the area of East First Avenue and the Stanley-Boyd School after crashing.
During this same time frame, the police department received additional criminal damage complaints to property, which included the digital speed sign on East Fourth Avenue near Dahl Street, and a doorbell camera near the area of East Fourth Avenue and Emery Street.
Additionally, the police department had previously taken reports of criminal damage to a building within Chapman Park, as well as graffiti on the basketball court, bridge, cement, and fence posts in the park.
Upon developing leads and investigating the two vehicle thefts from February, it was determined that both vehicle thefts as well as the criminal damage complaints involving the digital speed sign and doorbell camera were all tied to the same two individuals.
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Brayden Stumpner (17) of Stanley was arrested and booked into the Chippewa County Jail on two charges of motor vehicle theft and three charges of criminal damage to property. Additionally, a 15-year-old male juvenile has also been referred to Chippewa County Juvenile intake for charges as well.
I anticipate additional charges forthcoming as well from the Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office for at least one additional individual once they have had time to review additional referrals that are forthcoming as part of these investigations.
I wanted to take the opportunity to urge the public to please make reports to the police department if you ever become a victim of crime. It does not matter what was taken, how much damage was sustained, etc. Reporting these incidents is critical for our officers and the service that they provide. I so often hear people say that it wasn’t a big deal, or it was unlikely that the person(s) responsible would ever be identified so we didn’t report it. What you may perceive as minor could lead to something more substantial but without your report and that information, we may never have that critical piece of information that could ultimately lead to the identity of a suspect(s). In addition, when crimes do occur, often they are linked to the same perpetrators and without knowing if there may be additional victims that are unaccounted for due to lack of reporting, we are unable to help provide you with the rights that a victim of crime would be entitled to.
The other piece of advice that I would like to offer up is to please never hesitate to call right away if you see something that seems suspicious or just doesn’t seem right. We would much rather respond and spend a few minutes determining that your concern had a legitimate explanation, versus no report being received only to later find out that someone was victimized. Please make that call right away, don’t wait. Often, we will get a message via social media that won’t be seen until hours or even days later, or someone will stop in at the police department the following day to make a report. You will never be an inconvenience to us by calling in a concern at that time that it is occurring. Remember, your call and that information could potentially keep your friend, neighbor, or even a stranger from being the next victim of a crime.
The final thing I would like to mention is a simple reminder for everyone to ensure that you are locking your homes, garages, out-buildings, vehicles, etc. The overwhelming majority of thefts occur due to items being unsecured and in plain view. By ensuring that your property is secure and not readily accessible, you will significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.
The police department and our relationship with our community is vital. The information that we gather and the details that are provided are critical components in ensuring that we can do our part as a police department to hold those accountable, with the goal of making victims whole. With the continued community support and mutual goal of so many to ensure this remains a safe and enjoyable place to live and work, these collaborations will remain critical. I am thankful for so many within our community that remain committed to doing the right thing and helping their friends and neighbors. We can never have too much care and compassion for one another, for that I am certain.
--Submitted by Stanley Police Chief Lance Weiland