The arrest of two people in Burnett County resulted in the seizure of over 30 grams of methamphetamine along with a sawed off shotgun, a stun gun, drug packaging materials, smoking equipment, and a scale.
Criminal complaints have been filed in Burnett County Circuit Court against Cole Ronningen, of Grantsburg, WI, and Jessica Meyer, of Frederic, WI following an incident on July 12, 2017, which resulted in both of them being arrested.
Ronningen is charged with Class D Felony Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Class G Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Class H Possession of a Short-Barreled Shotgun or Rifle, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Meyer is facing charges of Class D Felony Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Class I Felony Attempting to Flee or Elude a Traffic Officer, Class H Felony Possession of an Electric Weapon, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
According to the criminal complaints, shortly after 9 PM on July 12, 2017, Burnett County Dispatch received a complaint of a Domestic Incident in progress on Shuttleworth Road. Deputies were in progress to the scene when they were advised that the suspect in the incident was Cole Ronningen. A deputy passed a small blue car with occupants inside, parked on the shoulder of Shuttleworth Road. When the deputy put his squad car in reverse to return to the blue car and make contact with the people inside, the car accelerated quickly and headed north towards Highway 70.
A pursuit ensued, with the car turning off onto Church Road, a gravel road. The driver of the car nearly lost control multiple times and was driving without any headlights on although it was nearly dark out. The criminal complaint goes on stating that the car turned again at the intersection of North Mudhen Lake Road and Range Line Road, and officers saw the passenger partially hanging out the front passenger window and throwing something out.
The car finally pulled over and stopped just north of Highway 70. A full felony stop was conducted, meaning that officers had their firearms out. The driver was ultimately identified as Jessica Meyer and the passenger was identified as Cole Ronningen. Both were placed under arrest.
A search of the vehicle and surrounding area revealed the following items:
- 32.39 grams of methamphetamine
- Break Action Single Shot Harrington Richardson 20 Gauge Shotgun with the barrel cut down to approximately 12 ½ inches and the butt stock also cut off
- Stun Gun
- Black Holster and Magazine for a HighPoint Handgun – the handgun was not found
- Drug Packaging Material
- Smoking Devices
When officers reviewed Ronningen's record, they determined that he was previously convicted of a felony in a Polk County Circuit Court case, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
Public record shows that both Ronningen and Meyer appeared on July 13 for bail bond hearings in Burnett County Circuit Court. Ronningen was placed on a cash bail bond of $500; it is believed that Ronningen is still in the custody of the Burnett County Jail. Meyer was placed on a $500 signature bond.
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Last Update: Jul 26, 2017 8:35 pm CDT
