A Missing Juvenile Found in Grant County, an Attempted Vehicle Theft Leads to an Arrest, and a Two-Vehicle Accident With Injuries

Missing Juvenile - Found 

On July 15, 2026, at 9:55 p.m., the Grant County Communication Center was notified of a missing juvenile from Riverside Campground, which is located in Riverside Park, in the Village of Muscoda. The missing juvenile was reported to be a 14-year-old female.  

After an extensive search by multiple deputies from the Grant County Sheriff's Office, and members of the Muscoda Fire Department, the juvenile was located approximately 2 hours later, east of the campground, and reunited with her family.  

The Grant County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Muscoda Fire Department. 

Attempted Vehicle Theft Leads to Arrest 

On July 16, 2026, at 3:57 a.m., the Grant County Communication Center was notified of a vehicle theft in progress at a residence on Eagle Point Road in Jamestown Township.  

When deputies arrived, they found a White Lexus RX with the driver's door open and a Black BMW parked nearby. The deputies noticed the BMW had front-end damage and appeared to have been involved in an accident.  

During the investigation, it was determined the BMW had struck the gate at the end of the private drive, then drove down the private drive, and the operator attempted to steal the property owner's Lexus.  

After further investigation, the driver of the BMW was identified as Zachary Carr, 38, of Dubuque. Carr was located a short time later, walking along Sandy Hook Rd., and arrested for theft of a motor vehicle, operating while under the influence 2nd offense, criminal damage to property, and trespassing.  

The Grant County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Jo Davies Sheriff's Office and the East Dubuque Police Department. 

wo-Vehicle Crash with Injuries  

On 07/16/2026, at approximately 4:22PM, the Grant County Sheriff's Office received a report of a two-vehicle crash at the south intersection of HWY 35/61 and 129 in South Lancaster Township. Along with deputies, emergency responders from the Lancaster Fire Department and Lancaster EMS were dispatched to the scene.  

When deputies arrived on scene, they learned Shelia Vella, 74, of Lancaster, was southbound on HWY 61 in her 2016 Hyundai Tucson. At the same time, Cody Marnes, 41, of Lancaster, was northbound on HWY 61. Vella stated she thought Marnes was going to be turning north onto 129, but he was continuing northbound on Hwy 61. As Vella, attempted to turn northbound onto HWY 129, she turned in front of Marnes, causing the vehicles to collide.  

Marnes' vehicle traveled into the west ditch line of HWY 129, and struck 2 road signs before coming to rest. Both Marnes and Vella were evaluated on scene by Lancaster EMS. Marnes was released from the scene, and Vella was transported to Grant Regional Health Center for further care.  

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage, and were towed from the scene. Vella was issued a citation for failure to yield to right of way. The