City Times Staff

A group called “The People VS. The Wood County/Wisconsin Rapids Police Department” is planning to stage a protest on Monday, March 14 at 8 AM.

The event, called “24 Hours to Take Back Our City”, plans to demand local law enforcement “crack down on all drug investigations within a 24-hour period”.

“We the people need to stand up and get law enforcement to move on ALL known drug houses, suppliers and users within that 24 hours,” the event’s Facebook page reads. “If we make this strong presence and law enforcement acts on our directions, we will be able to chase the suppliers from our city and reclaim our neighborhoods.”

The protest was organized by Steve Abrahamson — who made an unsuccessful bid for State Senate in 2012 — and Christopher Marceau — who is conducting a write-in campaign for Wisconsin Rapids mayor in April.

In a message explaining how the city could achieve this, Marceau said, “It is simple; in the near future the departments need to contact the DA’S office and get signed warrants from the judges, on all active investigations where controlled buys have already taken place.”

Marceau did not indicate which “department heads” would have the authority or purview to conduct such a task, but added, “Once that is done, then make the arrests…if it can’t be done, then I believe some department heads need to be replaced.”

The City Times will cover this event live from City Hall, 444 W. Grand Avenue. Check back for updates.