SWAT Team Visits Drug House Twice in two Months

            On June 1st, for the second time in less than two months, the Chippewa County Combined Emergency Response Team was called out to serve a search warrant and arrest warrant at a residence located at 21659 40th Ave. in the Town of Lafayette.

             On April 7th, 2010, a search warrant was executed at that address for illegal drug activity but the resident was not located. Drugs and drug making materials were located and one occupant was arrested. On June 1st, the West Central Drug Task Force (WCTDF) learned that the resident, Brandon S. Herman, age 29, was back at his home and was manufacturing, selling and using methamphetamine there. Herman is a convicted felon and has had weapons in his possession when arrested in the past. The Combined Response Team was again called into action after the WCDTF secured a second warrant for that address.  The warrant was executed at 7:02pm.  Herman was in the basement of the residence on this visit but fled the home through a firewood chute.  He ran to a nearby wooded area but was later located by members of the WCDTF.  Herman was found trying to conceal himself behind some fallen trees.  Herman had removed a white T-shirt he had been wearing to make himself less visible. 

            Brandon Herman was apprehended and charges include Possession of Methamphetamine – Felony,  Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place – Felony,  Possession of Methamphetamine Paraphernalia – Felony, and Possession of THC – 2nd Offense – Felony.

            Another occupant of the residence, David P. Lorenz, age 42, was also located during this search.  Lorenz cooperated with officers and was arrested without incident.  Lorenz had an active felony warrant issued for him for Failure to Appear in court on charges that stemmed from the April 7th search.  Lorenz has been released on a cash bond but Herman remains incarcerated in the Chippewa County Jail.

            The Chippewa County Combined Response Team consists of members of the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department and the Chippewa Falls Police Department.  Three members of the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Response Team also assisted in this mission.