Manitowoc Police Department

Date: August 23, 2026
PRESS RELEASE

RE: Accident involving pedestrian

On 08-22-2026 at approximately 5 p.m., Manitowoc Police Department, with assistance from the Manitowoc Fire Department, responded to Waldo boulevard at North 14th Street for a report of an accident with injury. Once officers arrived on scene, contact was made with an 80-year-old female, from Manitowoc, who was alert and conscious, laying in the roadway. The driver of the vehicle, a 61-year-old female from Manitowoc, stayed on scene and was cooperative with law enforcement. Through investigation it was determined the 80-year-old female was crossing the road in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by the vehicle operated by the 61-year-old female. The 80-year-old female was transported to an area hospital in stable condition. Manitowoc Police would like to remind drivers that Wisconsin State Statue 346.24 states that drivers must yield the right-of-way and stop or slow down to safely allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway in any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

Lt. Tyler Hill/327

Date: August 21, 2026
PRESS RELEASE

RE: Grooming of a Child Arrest

On 08/11/26, the Manitowoc Police Department received a report with a concern that a 32-year-old adult was in an apparent inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old child, and made unwanted sexual advances towards the child.

An investigation into these concerns was conducted, and ultimately, 32-year-old Courtney A. Haupt, of Manitowoc, was determined to have participated in a pattern of behavior that was considered grooming of the child for sexual contact. In addition, Haupt was identified as being employed by the Manitowoc Public School District, although at this point in the investigation, it is not believed that Haupt participated in illegal acts at any Manitowoc Public School District facilities.

On 08/20/26, Manitowoc Police Department detectives took Haupt into custody and Haupt was incarcerated at the Manitowoc County Jail for Grooming of a Child for Sexual Activity and Sexual Misconduct by School Staff Person. See attached photo of Haupt. No further information will be released at this time. Haupt is presumed to be innocent at this point until the court process is concluded.

The Manitowoc Police Department would also like to recognize the assistance with this investigation that was provided by the Manitowoc Public School District and the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center.

At this time, no evidence suggests other children were harmed, however anyone with information about this incident is requested to contact Detective Rebecca Schuettpelz at 920-686-6583, or the Manitowoc Police Department Shift Commanders’ Office at 920-686-6551. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 920-683-4466, or by utilizing the P3 App.

The Manitowoc Police Department remains committed to protecting children and investigating individuals who exploit or solicit minors. We encourage parents to have discussions with their children and to immediately report any interactions, whether in person or online, that makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened. If you suspect your child is being contacted inappropriately, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency. Early reporting can help protect your child and may prevent other children from becoming victims.

Det. Sgt. Jason Denk

🌟 THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SPECIAL OLYMPICS WISCONSIN! 🌟

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by and donated during our Cop on a Rooftop event at Dunkin’! Your generosity helped support a truly great cause and the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Wisconsin. ❤️💙

We also want to give a special shout-out to Sergeant Krock and Officers Williams, Lindlbauer, Laurent, and Gardner for volunteering their time and working the event. We appreciate your dedication and willingness to support such an important cause!

A big thank you as well to the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and the Manitowoc Fire Rescue Department for stopping by and showing their support. It was great to see our local public safety partners come together for Special Olympics! 🚔🚒

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who donated. Every dollar makes a difference, and together, we are helping make a difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes. 🏅

Thank you, Manitowoc, for your incredible support! 🙌

🌈 COLOR RUN Y CAMP 2026! 🌈

What a fun way to celebrate summer at Y Camp! Sergeant Krock and Police Chief John Musial had a blast joining the Y Camp Color Run! 🏃‍♂️

There was plenty of running, laughing, and, of course, getting covered from head to toe in COLOR! We’re always excited for opportunities to spend time with the kids in our community and be part of their summer fun. 💙

A big THANK YOU to the YMCA and Y Camp for inviting us to join in the fun, and to Associated Bank for sponsoring this fun event!

We had a colorful time! 🌈👮‍♂️

💙🚔 COP ON A ROOFTOP – SUPPORT SPECIAL OLYMPICS WISCONSIN! 🚔💙

Join us Friday, August 14, from 6:00 a.m. to noon. MTPD officers will be on the rooftop to support Special Olympics Wisconsin!

For 23 years, Dunkin’ has teamed up with local law enforcement to raise money for Special Olympics, and this year our goal is to raise $1,000 per store. Every donation helps support the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Wisconsin. 🏅❤️

💰 Want to help? Donations can be made by check payable to “The Special Olympics Wisconsin” or online using the QR code on the flyer.

Stop by, say hello, and help us reach our goal! 🙌

🐾 A Big Thank You to Lucky Paws Pet Boutique! 🐾

The Manitowoc Police Department would like to give a huge thank you to Lucky Paws Pet Boutique for graciously donating grooming services for our K9 partner, Rolo, today! 🐕‍🦺💙

We truly appreciate your generosity and support of our K9 program and the work our four-legged officers do in keeping our community safe.

Thank you for taking such great care of Rolo! 🐾💙

Today we had the pleasure of giving Manitowoc Police Department K9 Rolo a complimentary bath! 🐾💙

Rolo stopped in for a little freshening up and, of course, had to pose for a photo in our giant Lucky Paws chair afterward. 😍 Such a stunning pup!

We’re proud to support the incredible working K9s in our community by providing complimentary grooming services. It’s just one small way we can say thank you for all they—and their handlers—do to keep our community safe. 💙🐕‍🦺

Looking good, Rolo! See you next time! 💚💙

Date: August 12, 2026

PRESS RELEASE
RE: Bow Hunting in the City of Manitowoc

Applications for bowhunting and landowner permissions are now available at the Manitowoc Police Department front counter or online at www.manitowoc.org.

There will be no informational meeting held this year regarding bowhunting in the City of Manitowoc. Information regarding the purpose of the hunt, the types of permissions needed to bow hunt in the city, and the rules established by the city to ensure a safe hunt can be found on the application materials.

Applications may be obtained at the front counter of the Manitowoc Police Department, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., or online at www.manitowoc.org.

All bowhunting and landowner applications must be returned to the Manitowoc Police Department by September 4th to allow sufficient time for processing before the start of the archery season. Applications received after this date may experience a delay in approval.

All bowhunting applicants requesting to hunt on private property must have a completed landowner application attached to their bowhunting application when submitted. Applications will not be approved until the required landowner documentation is received.

Questions regarding the bowhunting program or application process may be directed to Lieutenant Sohlden at [email protected].

NOTE: The City-owned property on Orchard Lane will no longer be open to hunting.

Date: August 10, 2026

PRESS RELEASE
RE: Death Investigation

On 08/09/26, at approximately 5:30 PM, Officers from the City of Manitowoc Police Department responded to a report of a possible deceased body along the shore of the Manitowoc River near South 16th Street. Utilizing resources from the Manitowoc Fire Rescue Department, the body of a deceased male individual was recovered from the Manitowoc River.

At this time, our preliminary investigation suggests there is no evidence of foul play and no threat to the community. An autopsy is being conducted by the Manitowoc County Coroner’s Office, and this investigation is still ongoing. On behalf of the Manitowoc Police Department, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to those affected by this incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is requested to contact Detective Alex Nebel at 920-686-6570 or Crime Stoppers at 920-683-4466.

Detective Sergeant Jason Denk

🍋💙 A huge thank you to Adrianne's Daycare for your thoughtful support of the Manitowoc Police Department!

The children hosted a lemonade stand and used the proceeds to put together an assortment of delicious treats for our officers. Their kindness, generosity, and support truly brightened our day.

We are incredibly grateful to Adrianne, the children, and their families for thinking of us. Community partnerships like these remind us how fortunate we are to serve such a caring and supportive community.

Thank you for your generosity and for showing our officers they are appreciated! 💙👮‍♀️👮‍♂️🍪🍋