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Chad S. Fritz. (Courtesy Portage Co. Jail)

Crime Stoppers tip leads police to Target bandit

By Patrick Lynn

A Wausau man is free on a $1,000 signature bond on multiple charges related to a series of thefts from Target.

Chad S. Fritz, 43, was arrested after anonymous tips were made following a Crime Stoppers report that was published by local media outlets. Tipsters told police they believed Fritz had problems with drug abuse.

Thanks to the anonymous tips, police were able to use social media and WisDOT records to track down Fritz’s cell phone number. An investigator with the Stevens Point Police Department sent Fritz a text message, and Fritz agreed to meet in a grocery store parking lot and answer some questions. Fritz told the officer he sold many of the items for cash and used it to pay for drugs.

Fritz was captured on surveillance video at Target, 5300 Hwy. 10 East in Stevens Point, during several heists in 2018, according to the criminal complaint. During three visits to the store, Fritz allegedly took several PlayStation 4 video game controllers, Bose Soundsport headphones, Powerbeats headphones, and LG wireless headphones.

According to the complaint, Fritz removed the security devices and packaging from each item before concealing them in his clothing and leaving the store. The total value of items taken was $949.91.

Fritz was on bond at the time of the alleged thefts after being convicted in Marathon Co. on multiple burglary-related charges. In Portage Co. he faces three counts of felony bail-jumping, which each carry a maximum penalty of six years in prison, and a charge of felony retail theft, for which he would serve up to three-and-a-half years.

He pleaded not guilty before Court Commissioner Melissa Dalkert on Jan. 13. Fritz returns to court on March 9.