BARRON COUNTY - Two young children who were abducted from Ashland were safely recovered on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, after a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The suspect, Gage Ackley-Dechant, 30, of Drummond, is in custody, according to a press release from the Barron County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., the Ashland Police Department alerted the Barron County Sheriff’s Department that they received information that the two children (age 6 and 3) abducted from Ashland may be in the area of LE Phillips Scout Reservation near Haugen.
Deputies from the Sheriff’s Department started to check the area. Additional information was received that they may be in the wooded area in the scout camp area. An extensive search of the area was started with the assistance of DCI (Department of Criminal Investigation), the WI DNR and staff from the Scout Reservation.
While searching the area, information was obtained that they may be in the Barronett area and with the assistance of the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office the suspect vehicle was located.
The suspect in the abduction was taken into custody without incident and the two children were located.
The children were transported to Mayo Hospital to check their welfare and be reunited with family. The suspect Gage Ackley-Dechant, age 30 of Drummond, is being held in the Barron County Jail on a probation warrant at this time.
Special thanks goes out to the LE Phillips Scout Reservation staff for all their assistance along with DCI, Washburn County Sheriff’s Office and the WI DNR.
-- Per Chris Fitzgerald, Barron County Sheriff
Last Update: Sep 26, 2024 10:18 am CDT
