VILLAGE OF EAGLE, Wis. -- The Palmyra-Eagle Area School District canceled classes for its three schools because of the ongoing manhunt for 43-year-old Jonathan Pogreba.
It was the students’ final full day of school.
“We didn’t want children standing outside this morning early to get on a school bus,” said Superintendent Steve Bloom. “The focus of the manhunt at the present time is very close to one of our elementary schools."
As of late Wednesday afternoon, investigators in Waukesha County were actively searching for Pogreba, who they believe is armed and dangerous. Law enforcement focused their search in Eagle, along Wilton Road, where Pogreba lives, bordered by the Kettle Morraine Forrest.
Court documents reveal what led up to the manhunt. It said Pogreba’s wife filed for divorce on June 4 and the next day a fight started between her and Jonathan Pogreba.
The wife told investigators “John pulled a handgun from his waistband behind his back and began pointing it at her."
It goes on to say her 16-year-old son heard arguing and then said “after grabbing a shotgun from under his bed, he went outside and observed his mom in the fetal position” and Pogreba pushing his mom’s head against the garage door.
The teen told investigators he fired “a shot from his shotgun” that struck Pogreba causing him “to shutter” and fired again telling investigators “he believed some of the pellets hit” Pogreba who then ran off on foot.
Although he’s still on the run, charges have been filed against Jonathan Pogreba in Waukesha County including battery, disorderly conduct, second degree recklessly endangering safety, and pointing a firearm at another.
High schoolers in the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District were supposed to have final exams Wednesday and all students in the district have a scheduled half day Thursday.
But the superintendent said with this active manhunt, everything is up in the air.
“We’re uncertain as to what tomorrow might bring,” said Bloom.
