On April 12th at 5:38 a.m. La Crosse Police were dispatched to Fiesta Mexicana at 5200 Mormon Coulee Rd. for a building alarm. Prior to arriving at the business, police dispatch had contacted the business owner who said that the officers did not have to respond and should just cancel.
Despite being told that he did not have to respond, Officer Cody Plenge made the decision to continue to the business. After parking a short distance away, Officer Plenge walked up to the business to find it all dark. Upon looking through the window he could see a person inside in all dark clothing with a hood up trying to make entry into one of game machines in the bar area. In police work, we call that a “Clue”.
Officer Plenge radioed for additional officers at which time Officer Plenge lost sight of the suspect inside. Officer Plenge began searching for the suspect again who he now located exiting the business and getting into the driver’s seat of a waiting vehicle. The vehicle sped out of the lot and led the other responding squad cars on a short high speed vehicle pursuit. Ultimately the suspect vehicle did stop and two individuals were taken into custody.
Arrested were:
Amy L. Zielke 09-09-1979 of Holmen WI and was charged with:
- Burglary
- Possession of burglary tools
- Criminal damage to property
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of marijuana
- Felony eluding
- Felony bail jumping
Kimberly A. Coelin 03-18-1982 of La Crosse WI and was charged with:
- Party to the crime of burglary
La Crosse PD Newsroom 
Congatulations Officer Plenge for your service to our community! Your perseverance and tenacity are admirable! With officers such as yourself on patrol; I can see an end to our city’s beauty being overshadowed by the scurge that is the current drug epidemic! Our hats off to you and your fellow officers; for a job well done!!!
Great work Officer Plenge and LCPD!
Great work by all involved.