Crime & Safety
Columbia County, WI Drug Arrest: 2 Madison Men Face Charges
Portage, WI – Two Madison men were arrested early Sunday morning after a weapons related disturbance investigation led Columbia County deputies to a vehicle allegedly containing cocaine, marijuana and
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-19T15:38:06.493Z
Portage, WI – Two Madison men were arrested early Sunday morning after a weapons related disturbance investigation led Columbia County deputies to a vehicle allegedly containing cocaine, marijuana and a concealed firearm.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff 's Office, deputies assisted the Wisconsin Dells Police Department around 1:24 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, during an investigation involving disorderly conduct and a weapon.
Authorities said the individuals involved had left the original scene before law enforcement arrived.
A Columbia County deputy later spotted a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle's description entering the city of Portage.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop after observing a moving violation and established probable cause to search the vehicle.
During the initial encounter, deputies noticed two male passengers allegedly pretending to sleep. One passenger also had a bloodied hand, investigators reported.
Authorities detained the occupants, who reportedly acknowledged that a firearm and additional contraband were inside the vehicle.
During the investigation, one passenger was searched and given multiple opportunities to disclose whether he was concealing additional substances.
The Sheriff's Office said the passenger initially denied having anything concealed but later admitted during transport that he had marijuana and cocaine near his genitals.
Jaylen M. Smith, 22, of Madison , was arrested on allegations of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, THC possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.
Robert R. Thomas, 26, also of Madison , was arrested on allegations of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct involving the use of a dangerous weapon.
The Sheriff's Office did not specify the quantity of drugs recovered or provide additional information about the original disturbance.
The investigation involved cooperation between the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and Wisconsin Dells Police Department.
Authorities emphasized that the allegations are accusations of criminal conduct supported by probable cause for arrest.
Both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.