FBI increases reward in Wisconsin manhunt to $20,000

As the manhunt for Joseph Jakubowski continued, the FBI doubled its reward money to $20,000 Tuesday for information leading to his capture, and released a photo of what he might look like with changes to hair and beard. Image courtesy of FBI

April 12 (UPI) — The FBI doubled its reward to $20,000 for information leading to the capture of Joseph Jakubowski, the subject of a nationwide manhunt.

Police said Jakubowski, 32, of Janesville, Wis., is wanted in the theft of weapons stolen from a gun store on April 4, the arson of his own vehicle and for messages he allegedly sent threatening public officials. He mailed a 161-page manifesto of grievances to the White House.

The FBI announced the increase in award money Tuesday.

Police consider Jakubowski armed and dangerous.

“As a result of anti-religion sentiment depicted in Jakubowski’s manifesto, local law enforcement has increased patrols at churches within their jurisdictions,” Rock County Sheriff Robert Spoden said in a statement.

No disturbances have been reported at churches in Janesville, about 75 miles west of Milwaukee, although there was an unconfirmed sighting of Jakubowski at a church in adjacent Dane County. Police said a man of Jakubowski’s description entered the Lutheran church last week, asked questions about encouraging churchgoers to depart from church services and left without incident.

Authorities said they received more than 500 tips regarding Jakubowski’s whereabouts. More than 150 law enforcement personnel are engaged in the investigation.

The manhunt prompted Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker‘s office to alter its policies on Tuesday. Walker’s security team requested that his office refrain from advance information about the governor’s public appearances, a Walker spokesperson told WISN-TV, Milwaukee.

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