IOWA COUNTY, Wis. (WKOW) — The body of a woman found in a vehicle in Nebraska is believed to be the woman who had been reported missing and endangered out of Dodgeville, according to an update from the Iowa County law enforcement on Wednesday.
The Dodgeville Police Department and Iowa County Sheriff's Office had been looking for 67-year-old Dorinda Segebrecht. She was last seen on Monday, July 14 at noon in Dodgeville.
Her vehicle was found in Nebraska and the driver, identified as Gavin Thompson, 23, of Dodgeville, was arrested.
The sheriff's office said the body of an adult woman was found in the vehicle associated with the case. Officials are waiting for a positive identification on the woman believed to be Segebrecht.
Law enforcement officials believe the crime was random.
"What we do know is that this was a random act of violence," said Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson. "There was no known relationship between the suspect and the victim."
Peterson said in these difficult times, the community must lift each other up.
"In times like this the why often doesn’t come quickly," he said. "Sometimes, even when it does, it doesn’t bring the comfort that we hope for. But what we can do, what we must do, is support one another, care for one another and make sure something senseless doesn’t steal our sense of community.
"We may never understand why, but we can decide how to move forward. And that lies in each one of us," the sheriff added.
Dodgeville police officers first responded around 7:51 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to a home in the 300 block of E. Division Street after family members reported they had not heard from Segebrecht since around 11 a.m. on Monday, July 14. Upon arrival, officers found evidence indicating she may be injured and/or in danger.
Evidence was found indicating she did not leave on her own volition, according to police.
Segebrecht’s black 2020 Hyundai Kona, license plate AXG8066, was also reported missing. Investigators later determined that her vehicle may have been in Nebraska.
The information was shared with the Nebraska State Patrol, who found the vehicle at about 1:50 a.m. Wednesday on Interstate 80 near Lincoln.
A Nebraska State Trooper attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, which led to a pursuit.
The driver, identified as Thompson, crashed down a steep embankment and ran on foot. After a manhunt lasting four hours, he was arrested and taken to the Lancaster County Jail in Nebraska.
In Nebraska, Thompson is facing charges of flight to avoid arrest and willful reckless driving, with additional charges pending.
The investigation is ongoing.
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