Seatbelt Grant Enforcement Stop Leads to Felony Arrest

March 25, 2026
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

At 10:35 AM, a Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy working an overtime traffic enforcement grant stopped a vehicle without license plates. When the deputy contacted the driver and passenger, he detected a smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. With a second deputy on scene, the driver was asked to exit the vehicle for a search based on the smell. The passenger, Jeremiah J. Davis, age 21 of Fitchburg, got out and ran from the deputies. 
With assistance from Madison Police Officers and their K9 Unit, Davis was found in a nearby backyard and safely taken into custody. A handgun, believed to have been discarded by Davis, was also recovered. Deputies confirmed this information by reviewing nearby security footage, which showed Davis throwing the gun. 
After being transported to a local hospital for medical clearance, Davis was booked into the Dane County Jail on tentative charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Resisting, Possession of THC, and a probation hold.