Appleton Police Department

06/01/2026

June anniversaries are here, and we’re proud to recognize the dedicated members of our department celebrating another year of service to the Appleton community. Thank you for your professionalism, commitment, and everything you do each day. Congratulations on your anniversaries! 🎉

05/31/2026

After 26 years of service to the Appleton community, Chief Polly Olson recently reconnected with her alma mater, UW-Oshkosh, to reflect on her career, leadership philosophy, and the relationships that have shaped her journey. We invite you to read her story.

Polly (Reinke) Olson, a 1995 UW–Oshkosh biology graduate, became the Appleton Police Department’s first female police chief in 2023 and will retire in January 2027, after 26 years of service.

05/31/2026

Today marks ten years at the Appleton Police Department for Sergeant Jordan Woelfel. Sgt. Woelfel currently serves as the School Resource Officer for Appleton Central as well as a member of the SWAT team. Join us in congratulating Sgt. Woelfel on his milestone anniversary! 👏👏👏

05/30/2026

A recent post involving enforcement action against an electric two-wheeled vehicle has generated considerable discussion, along with some inaccurate information. To provide clarity, we'd like to explain the relevant laws and an important legal distinction:

Original Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D5k1pMgEg/

The vehicle involved in this incident was NOT a lawful electric bicycle (e-bike) under Wisconsin law. It was an electric off-highway motorcycle, commonly referred to as an e-motorcycle or “e-moto”.

E-bikes and e-motos are not the same thing under Wisconsin law. They have their own, separate definitions and are governed by entirely different statutes.

⚖️ THE VEHICLE IN THIS INCIDENT

The vehicle involved was a PUJH dual-motor electric vehicle, incorrectly marketed online as an “electric bike.”

Factory specifications for this vehicle include:
• 6,000W dual-motor system
• Advertised speeds of approximately 45 MPH
• Motorcycle-style power and acceleration
• Designed and advertised for off-road use

These specifications substantially exceed Wisconsin’s lawful e-bike classifications and meet the statutory definition of an off-highway motorcycle.

Although some of these vehicles may have pedals or be marketed online as “e-bikes,” that does NOT make them lawful electric bicycles under Wisconsin law.

🚲 WHAT IS A LEGAL E-BIKE?

Wisconsin law recognizes electric bicycles separately from motorcycles and off-highway motorcycles.

Legal e-bikes:
• Are designed and manufactured as bicycles
• Have fully operable pedals
• 750W or less electric motor
• Meet Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike standards
• Are limited to specific motor-assist speeds

Generally:
• Class 1 (pedal assist) and Class 2 (pedal assist and throttle capable) e-bikes are limited to 20 MPH
• Class 3 e-bikes are limited to 28 MPH pedal assist and require the operator to be 16 years of age or older

New e-bikes sold in Wisconsin must carry a permanent label showing class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.

🏍️ WHAT IS AN OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE / E-MOTO?

Wisconsin Statute §23.335(1)(q) defines an off-highway motorcycle as:
“A 2-wheeled motor vehicle that is straddled by the operator, equipped with handlebars, and designed for use off a highway regardless of whether it is also designed for use on a highway.”

The statute specifically states that an off-highway motorcycle does NOT include a lawful electric bicycle.

An electric two-wheeled vehicle is NOT a lawful e-bike if:
• No operable pedals
OR
• Motor > 750W
OR
• Capable of motor-propelled speeds over 28 MPH

Simply adding pedals, riding at a slower speed, or purchasing the vehicle online as an “e-bike” does not change its legal classification. What matters is how the vehicle is designed, its performance capabilities, and its intended use. The vehicle involved in this incident met Wisconsin’s legal definition of an off-highway motorcycle, not an e-bike.

🚫 WHERE THESE VEHICLES CAN BE OPERATED

Electric off-highway motorcycles / e-motos are NOT legal to operate on public thoroughfares within the City of Appleton unless specifically authorized by law (Wisconsin Statute §23.335(10)).

In Appleton, that includes:
• Public roadways
• Streets
• Sidewalks
• Bicycle paths
• Shared-use trails

This is because there are NO public lands in the City of Appleton designated for off-highway vehicle operation, to include e-motorcycles.

🚨 OWI ENFORCEMENT APPLIES TO OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLES

Wisconsin Statute §23.335(12)(a) specifically prohibits operating an off-highway motorcycle/ e-moto while under the influence of an intoxicant or with a prohibited alcohol concentration.

Lawful e-bikes are not subject to Wisconsin’s OWI statute, same as a regular human-powered bicycle. However, riders may still be subject to other criminal, civil, or municipal penalties for reckless, unsafe, or otherwise unlawful operation.

🏘️ WHY IT MATTERS

We support the safe and lawful use of bicycles and properly classified e-bikes in our community. They provide a convenient, efficient, and accessible mode of transportation, and many residents use them responsibly every day.

However, high-powered electric motorcycles are increasingly being marketed online in deceptive ways, creating understandable confusion for riders and parents alike.

These vehicles can travel at speeds far beyond lawful e-bike classifications and are subject to different laws intended to protect everyone using our roadways, sidewalks, and trails.

We encourage riders and parents to research applicable laws before operating these vehicles in public spaces.

Additional information regarding bicycles, e-bikes, and electric motorcycles can be found on our Bike Safety webpage: appletonwi.gov/police/bike_safety.php

Relevant Wisconsin Statutes:
• §23.335 – Off-Highway Motorcycles
• §23.335(10) – Restrictions on Highway Operation
• §23.335(12) – Intoxicated Operation of Off-Highway Motorcycle

05/29/2026

Seat belts save lives. Click It or Ticket.

05/29/2026

Public safety remains our top priority, and we’re proud to share that Appleton was ranked the #10 safest midsize city in America in SmartAsset’s 2026 study. Appleton was also recently named the #1 best place to live in Wisconsin by U.S. News & World Report, further highlighting what so many in our community already know — Appleton is a great place to call home.

These recognitions reflect the strong partnership between our community, first responders, schools, businesses, and city staff, all of whom play a role in making Appleton a safe, welcoming place to live, work, and visit.

We’re grateful for the continued trust and support of our community and remain committed to proactive policing, community partnerships, and providing the highest level of service every day.

👉 Read more here:
https://smartasset.com/data-studies/americas-safest-midsize-cities-2026-study
https://realestate.usnews.com/places/wisconsin/appleton

05/28/2026

Captain's Radio Log:

Officers Fudge and Sholos were dispatched to an active disturbance. Upon arrival, they could hear yelling and sounds of a physical altercation coming from inside the residence. The officers knocked and announced themselves multiple times, but no one came to the door. They then heard threats of violence being made, along with someone inside yelling for them to enter. Because the door was locked and immediate safety concerns existed, Officer Fudge forced entry into the residence. Officers encountered a male subject, who was taken into custody without further incident. Following the investigation, the male subject was confined on charges of domestic disorderly conduct, domestic battery, and domestic damage to property, all with an elder abuse enhancer.

Officer Kroening responded to the library for a welfare
check and located a young mother stranded with her toddler, a dying phone, and
no access to necessary baby supplies. Officer Kroening assisted by charging the
mother’s phone so she could arrange transportation home to Madison, and
provided essential baby items to make sure they could travel safely. A simple
act of kindness helped ensure they were able to get back on their way safely.

While conducting traffic enforcement, Officer Vassar observed a motorcycle traveling 69 mph in a posted 30 mph zone. As Officer Vassar attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the rider accelerated and fled, driving recklessly before crashing a short distance later. The motorcyclist was uninjured and taken into custody without further incident. The driver was later confined for OMVWI – 3rd offense, fleeing/ eluding, speeding, operating without a valid license – 2nd offense within three years, and operating without insurance.

05/28/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MEDIA UPDATE

May 28, 2026

UPDATE – Appleton Police Make Arrest Following April 9 Fatal Crash

(APPLETON, Wis. – May 28, 2026) – Earlier today, Giovanni Cadavid, of Appleton, was taken into custody and confined in the Outagamie County Jail in connection with the fatal crash that occurred on April 9, 2026, at the intersection of Wisconsin Ave. and Meade St.

Cadavid was 17 years old at the time of the crash and has since turned 18. Since the time of the crash Cadavid had been receiving medical care for injuries sustained in the crash. Cadavid was confined in the Outagamie County Jail on the following charges: two counts of Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle in accordance with WI §940.09(1)(a), two counts of Homicide by Use of a Vehicle with Prohibited Alcohol Content in accordance with WI §940.09(1)(b), Injury by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle – Great Bodily Harm in accordance with WI §940.25(1)(a), and Injury by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle with Prohibited Alcohol Concentration – Great Bodily Harm in accordance with WI §940.25(1)(b).

The April 9th crash involved two vehicles. The investigation determined the vehicle driven by Cadavid, who was driving under the influence of alcohol, failed to stop at a red traffic signal. The struck vehicle was occupied by Alan and Margaret Hopfensperger. Margaret died on April 24, 2026, as a result of her injuries, and Alan died on May 2, 2026.

The Appleton Police Department remains committed to reinforcing the importance of safe and responsible driving. This incident is a reminder of how impaired driving can be life changing and can lead to irreversible loss. We extend our continued condolences to the Hopfensperger family and everyone mourning this loss.

# # #

05/28/2026

Recently, one of our officers observed what appeared to be an e-bike with pedals traveling well beyond the 28 mph speed limit allowed for that classification. Based on its speed and capabilities, the vehicle met the legal definition of an e-motorcycle/ off-highway motorcycle, which is not permitted on roadways or sidewalks within the City of Appleton.

A traffic stop was conducted, during which officers observed signs of impairment and evidence of illegal drug use. Standardized field sobriety tests were performed, and the operator was subsequently arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and cited for the unlawful operation of the e-motorcycle.

The Appleton Police Department remains committed to keeping our roadways and sidewalks safe for motorists, bicyclists, e-bike riders, and pedestrians alike. As two-wheeled transportation continues to evolve, understanding the rules for lawful operation of these vehicles is more important than ever.

Our new Bike Safety webpage serves as a central resource for riders of all ages, providing practical information related to the laws and regulations surrounding bicycles, e-bikes, e-motorcycles, and more, while also giving parents the insight they need to feel empowered to support safe choices.

Learn more at: appletonwi.gov/police/bike_safety.php

05/27/2026

Congratulations Class of 2026! 👨‍🎓👩‍🎓 Drive safe, celebrate responsibly, look after your friends, and keep graduation memories positive for all the right reasons. Parents, take a moment tonight to talk with your graduates about making smart choices, looking out for one another, and staying safe wherever the summer season takes them.