Shooting range burglary leads to charges for Merrill pair
Jalen Maki
MMC Staff
A 29-year old Merrill man and a 21-year old Merrill woman are facing charges after breaking into a Marathon County shooting range last week.
According to a press release from the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress with “shots being fired” at Zingers and Flingers near Marathon City at approximately 10:53 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16.
Upon investigation, deputies learned that 29-year old Brock A. Rhode of Merrill and 20-year old Isaac D. Tomek, 20 of Tomahawk, “forcefully broke into the business by smashing out windows.”
Brock A. Rohde.
Isaac D. Tomek.
“The business owner was in his back office and heard the commotion,” the release stated. “He armed himself and responded to the entry of the business where he was confronted by the suspects. He fired several warning rounds from his rifle and the suspects fled.” The business owner called 911, and law enforcement arrested Tomek on foot a short distance away from the business.
Rachel M. Hoeppner, 21, of Merrill, was found “nearby driving a getaway vehicle” and was also taken into custody, according to the release.
Rachel M. Hoeppner.
Rhode remained at large until being taken into custody on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
According to court records, Tomek is facing a felony charge of burglary, a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine, and two felony charges of bail jumping, along with a misdemeanor charge of criminal damage to property. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Nov. 20 for a review hearing. Rhode faces felony charges of burglary, theft of movable property (>$5,000-$10,000), vehicle operator fleeing/eluding an officer, and driving or operating a vehicle without consent, along with four felony charges of bail jumping. He made his initial appearance in court on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Hoeppner faces felony charges of burglary and possession of methamphetamine. She is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Nov. 20 for a review hearing.
The case remains under investigation. No further details were released.
