Waukesha man arrested after reports of vehicle fire, gunshots in Oneida County

TOWN OF SCHOEPKE, Wis. (WSAW) -- Authorities have identified the suspect in a vehicle arson case as Richard Hitchcock, 51, of Waukesha.

According to a news release from the sheriff's office, the 911 center received a call from someone reporting that a friend drove his vehicle into the woods and started it on fire. That person also reported hearing three gunshots.

This all happened on the 900 block of Highway 45 in the Town of Schoepke, near Pelican Lake, around 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Once authorities got on scene the fire was extinguished.

Authorities are recommending Hitchcock be charged with arson, endangering safety and dangerous use of a weapon while intoxicated.