FOR CITY TIMES

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Wood County authorities have identified the man they say burglarized The Food Tree north of Wisconsin Rapids on Super Bowl Sunday, and now they’re asking for the public’s help in finding him.

According to the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Eugene “Gene” K. Schmidt, 58, is alleged to have robbed The Food Tree, at Highways 34 and 66 in the Township of Rudolph, at gunpoint. The incident was reported at 8:36 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Wood County Dispatch received a call from the store clerk who said someone had entered the establishment with a handgun and demanded money, lottery tickets and cigarettes. The suspect fled the scene with an undetermined amount of each.

Investigators have now identified Schmidt as their suspect in the holdup, and say he may be armed and should be considered dangerous. Schmidt’s last known whereabouts were in the Marathon County area. If you or someone you know have seen Schmidt, or know where he is, you’re asked to contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Department at 715-421-8700 or your local law enforcement agency. Do not approach him or try to make contact with him in any way.

Eugene K. Schmidt is described as a white male standing six feet one inch tall and weighing 165 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

In a press release, Lt. Scott Goldberg urged Schmidt to give himself up.

“Eugene, we know you will read this because you are scared and hiding from law enforcement,” Goldberg stated. “Please turn yourself in to local law enforcement and be an adult by facing your consequences for the dangerous actions you took. By not turning yourself in it is likely you will face more criminal charges.”