2 arrested for theft, meth possession

On May 13, at 6:40 p.m., the Crawford County Communications Center received a report of a retail theft in progress at Walmart, located in the township of Bridgeport. The reporting party advised there was a substantial amount of merchandise, which was not paid for, being loaded into a black BMW passenger car with Iowa license plates. The black BMW exited the Walmart parking lot and turned northbound on Highway 18. 

The Prairie du Chien K-9 Unit and a Crawford County deputy initiated a traffic stop on the black BMW on Highway 18 at Vineyard Road. The driver of the vehicle was identified as David M. Smith, 45, Waterloo, Iowa, and the passenger was identified as Andrew J. Nagel, 19, Oelwein, Iowa. The officer and deputy asked Smith and Nagel exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, the deputy conducted a search of Nagel’s pockets and located a container of crystal methamphetamine. The officer located two straws, used for ingesting methamphetamine, and a digital scale inside the vehicle.

The following merchandise was located inside the vehicle and confirmed stolen: Starbucks cappuccino, a hat, cologne, tool bags, air hoses, cordless drills, tool sets, walkie-talkies, a backpack and other items. The preliminary calculation of stolen merchandise totaled approximately $1,400 but could increase because the investigation remains ongoing.

Nagel was placed under arrest for retail theft greater than $500, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia and intentionally removing a theft detection device from merchandise. Smith was placed under arrest for party to a crime and receiving stolen property. Smith was also issued citations for operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver license and operating without insurance. Nagel and Smith were later transported to the Crawford County Jail for booking.

This joint investigation was conducted by Walmart Loss Prevention personnel, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the Prairie du Chien Police Department.