Janesville Gunman Will 'Go Out in Blaze of Glory;' FBI ups Jakubowski Reward to $20k

JANESVILLE, WI — A man who used to live next to Janesville Gunman Joseph Jakubowski says he will "go out in a blaze of glory," The FBI upped its reward to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Jakubowski is suspected of stealing 18 firearms from a local gun shop prior to setting his vehicle on fire, and sending a threatening, 161-page manifesto to President Trump.

A nationwide manhunt involving hundreds of law enforcement officers has been taking place for the last week as local, state and federal authorities process hundreds of leads.

So far, Jakubowski remains at large.

New Charges

New charges were filed against Jakubowski in Rock County on April 11 including Burglary-Arm Self With Dangerous Weapon, Theft - Written Lease-Special Facts and Possession of Burglarious Tools.

All three are felony charges and carry maximum prison time of fourteen-and-a-half years combined.

Blaze of Glory

In a FOX 6 News report published April 11, reporters interviewed Jakubowski's former neighbor, Frank Taromino in Janesville.

Related Reading: Patch ongoing coverage:

• Janesville Gunman's Criminal Record in Excess of 70 Charges
• FBI Doubles Reward For Joseph Jakubowski To $20,000
• Manhunt Underway In WI For Man Who Sent Manifesto To Trump: FBI

In the FOX 6 report, Taromino remembered an incident in 2008 in which Jakubowski was stopped for having a suspended registration. That simple traffic stop led to felony charges stemming from an escalation of that incident in which he reportedly grabbed the officer's gun and tried ripping it from his belt with both hands.

Based on that, and other smaller incidents, Jakubowski's former neighbor said he does not think the manhunt will end peacefully.

"I don't think he's going to jail. I think he's going out in a blaze of glory, honestly," Taormino said.

Lengthy Criminal Record

According to Wisconsin circuit court records, Jakubowski has a lengthy criminal record of more than 70 charges, including a mind-boggling list of minor traffic violations.

In 2008, Jakubowski was convicted of disarming a peace officer and misdemeanor bail jumping. A media report indicated that the criminal complaint in that case stated that “Jakubowski repeatedly pulled on an officer’s holstered sidearm during a fight,” according to The Janesville Gazette.

He was convicted of misdemeanor battery in 2008 and 2004. He was also charged with intent to distribute marijuana and maintaining a drug trafficking place. That charge was dismissed but read in at sentencing, court records show.

In 2001, he was convicted of resisting an officer and battery.

image via rock county sheriff