*Editor’s Note – The article has been changed to reflect the actual date the incident occurred, May 4.*
MENASHA, Wis. (WFRV) – After overwhelming community outreach helped to quickly identify suspects who destroyed $1,000 worth of fishing gear that belonged to three young anglers, the Menasha community is stepping up once again to provide those victims with donations.
The Menasha Police Department will be hosting a special community event on Thursday, June 12, to recognize the three young victims from the early-May incident, while providing them with the generous donations that have been collected by the community.
“Thanks to widespread support from the public, the victims will be receiving donated fishing gear. Some items are brand new, while others were generously provided by community members and local anglers,” Menasha PD stated in a release.
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The incident happened on May 4 along the Trestle Trail near the Menasha Locks. The victims stated that when they were fishing at night, they were approached by two strangers, and without provocation, the strangers threw multiple tackle boxes and fishing rods of theirs into the water.
“They came up and threw our gear in the water for no reason,” said one of the young anglers. “Everything we needed was in that tackle box.”
Within four hours of the case being made public, the two suspects were identified, and officers credited the overwhelming number of tips and messages from the community.
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Officers say the event is a great opportunity to highlight the positive impact of community involvement after a senseless act.
“This is about more than just gear, it’s about showing these young people that their community stands with them,” said Community Liaison Officer Matt Roe.
The event will start at 11 a.m. at the Menasha Police Department.
