Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
Calvin Ossmann
A Leopolis man still on the run after a weekend crime spree earlier this month is facing a new charge of burglary.
Calvin K. Ossmann, 26, is accused of breaking into a residence in Pella during the early morning hours of Aug. 1 and stealing a pair of pants that had car keys, a wallet and $40 in its pockets.
The homeowner said he believed Ossmann had stolen the pants because he had lived at the residence in the past and had a history of stealing the homeowner’s belongings, according to the criminal complaint.
The felony charge was filed Thursday, but the incident would appear to be the first in a string of other alleged crimes over the course of Aug. 1-3 that Ossmann has already been charged with, including three counts of vehicle theft.
Ossmann is accused of stealing two semi-tractors, one of which he allegedly abandoned, and a car that he allegedly drove around on a property, causing some damage.
Authorities spotted Ossmann in the second stolen semi-tractor in the afternoon of Aug. 3 heading into Shawano County on northbound U.S. Highway 45, according to the original criminal complaint.
The driver ignored an attempted traffic stop and a chase ensued reaching speeds of about 80 mph, according to the complaint.
Spike strips failed to stop the vehicle as the chase continued through a corn field and into a hay field where it came to a stop.
As officers drew their handguns and attempted to arrest the driver, the semi went into reverse and backed into a sheriff’s squad, then pulled forward and backed into the squad a second time. The deputy was out of the vehicle at the time and not injured.
Deputies fired about 15 shots at the rear tires of the semi, according to the complaint. The semi started to drive off again, but at least one of the rear tires was starting to come off the rim.
The semi drove back through the corn field and finally came to rest against a tree. The driver fled on foot.
An aerial search and a ground search with multiple K-9 units was interrupted by rain and failed to locate him.
Ossmann could face a maximum 12 1/2 years in prison and $25,000 fine if found guilty of the burglary charge.
He was previously charged with three felony counts of operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. Each of the charges normally carries a maximum possible penalty of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine, but the penalty could be enhanced because of previous convictions.
Ossmann also faces a possible maximum of 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted of fleeing an officer.
He is also charged with five misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property, as well as resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.
The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department describes Ossmann as approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes. Authorities issued a mug shot of Ossmann taken at his booking in a previous case, but they said he has since cut his hair shorter and was clean-shaven at the time of that weekend’s incidents.