If it can happen around here it can happen anywhere

Dear Editor,

I saw this report on Facebook and on the news about an incident that happened in the small town of Prarie du Chein. If it can happen in Prarie, it can happen anywhere. The man in this report is suspected of having ties with the Venezualan gang group that has recently terrorized an apartment complex in Colorado. We need stronger leadership, and our borders need to be closed to these illegal aliens who don't go through the proper channels to obtain US citizenship the legal way.

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Prarie du Chien Police Department responded to the 300 block of East Wells Street for a physical disturbance. Upon arrival, officers received information that a male suspect had been physically and sexually violent towards an adult female. A female juvenile was also located and found to have been injured during the physical altercation that took place. As a result of the investigation, the male suspect was arrested and taken to the Crawford County Jail.

The suspect was identified as Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, 26 of Venezuela. He was booked into jail for Domestic Disorderly Conduct, two counts of domestic battery, Strangulation/Suffocation, Physical Abuse to a Child, Disorderly Conduct, and two counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault. Coronel Zarate also had warrants through Dane County, WI for Strangulation/Suffocation, False Imprisonment, Battery and Disorderly Conduct.

Coronel Zarate is suspected of having an affiliation with a known violent transnational criminal organization known as "Tren de Aragua", who are known for a variety of criminal activities, such as homicide,  abduction, extortion, drug trafficking, arms/weapons trafficking, human smuggling and human trafficking.  The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement was notified, and a detainer has been placed on Coronel Zarate, as he is not a U.S. Citizen. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of two fictitious immigration documents, including a United States Social Security Card.

"Mr. Coronel Zarate was brought to Prarie du Chein from the Dane County Area. This incident highlights the need to be aware of the dangers that affiliates of these transnational criminal organizations pose to our communities. Violence towards others, no matter the circumstances, cannot be tolerated in our community." said Chief of Police, Kyle Teynor.

Again, if something like this can happen in a small town of Prarie du Chein, it can happen anywhere. We need stronger leadership who will close our borders to illegal aliens and who will protect our communities and our own citizens from this kind of mayhem and tragedies.

Jeanne Kapotas

Dodgeville, WI