VIROQUA, Wis. (WKBT) – Two men are in custody following a high-risk traffic stop in Viroqua on Monday. The suspects, 28-year-old Alexandru Uca from Kent, Washington, and 27-year-old Armando Vaduva from Fullerton, California, were arrested after law enforcement received reports of suspicious activity in the area.
Between May and July, authorities in St. Croix and Vernon Counties received multiple reports of men claiming to be out of gas and attempting to sell fake jewelry for cash. Witnesses reported seeing a firearm in at least one incident.
On Monday, deputies in Vernon County spotted the suspects’ vehicle at the intersection of US 61 and State Highway 27. The Richland County Sheriff’s Office had received reports of individuals flagging down vehicles for gas money near Richland Center. Given the potential for armed suspects, authorities conducted a coordinated high-risk stop.
Both Uca and Vaduva were taken into custody without incident. Law enforcement seized an unspecified amount of cash and fake jewelry, and their vehicle was impounded. Charges will be pursued through the St. Croix County District Attorney’s Office, with collaboration from US Customs and Border Protection.
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office conducted the stop with assistance from the Viroqua Police Department. Sheriff Roy Torgerson stated that further updates will be provided.