By Shereen Siewert
UPDATE: The suspect considered armed and dangerous in Taylor County is now in custody.
Officials have identified the suspect as 33-year-old Randolph Vestal, of Eau Claire. He was taken into custody several hours after allegedly brandishing a firearm at a homeowner near Lublin.
Court records show Vestal has a long criminal history, with multiple felony charges including a 2016 conviction for threatening law enforcement officers. He has additional convictions for methamphetamine possession, theft, burglary and forgery, among others. His most recent court appearance was less than a month ago in Eau Claire County Circuit Court, where he was ordered to spend one year on probation on a bail jumping charge.
See the original story, below.
Police in Taylor County are urging residents to be on the lookout for an armed man last seen Tuesday on Hwy. 73 near Lublin, where he allegedly pointed a semi-automatic handgun at a property owner.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Department describes the man as wearing blue jeans, a plaid shirt and carrying a black backpack. In the most recent sighting of the man, at 10:43 a.m., police said the suspect appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He left the home on foot and is being actively sought by police.
Anyone spotting the man should not approach the man but call 911, police said.
