Crash in Richland County linked to vehicle theft in Reedstown

VERNON / RICHLAND COUNTY, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – A vehicle crash and car theft in two different counties were found to be related.

Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports that on Friday morning, Oct. 10, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center received a report of an auto theft in the Village of Readstown.

A 2014 Chevrolet Cruze was taken without permission from the 500 block of South Maiben Street. Just before 2 a.m., the Richland County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a motor vehicle crashed west of Richland Center. Upon further investigation and close communication between both Sheriff’s Offices, it was determined that both incidents were connected. As a result of the dual investigations, Richard Dean Heal, 55 of Readstown, was arrested and transported to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday afternoon, Heal appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court via Zoom from the Richland County Jail. His bond was set at $10,000 cash. He is due back in court on Oct. 28. Formal charges will be sought through both the Vernon County and Richland County District Attorney Offices.

In addition to auto theft and impaired driving, the Sheriff’s Office is also recommending bail jumping charges due to the defendant being on bond for eight court cases in three counties.

Both the Crawford and Sauk County District Attorney’s Offices will be notified of the alleged violations of bonds issued in their respective counties.

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