Wisconsin’s Most Wanted now prominently features Derek Edwards, a 47-year-old Milwaukee man whose name has resurfaced following a recent wave of retail theft cases and an active warrant for his arrest. Edwards, previously jailed for possessing a stolen assault rifle, is once again the focus of law enforcement agencies who say his pattern of criminal activity and disregard for supervision requirements have elevated the urgency of the search.
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Understanding Why This Case Matters to Wisconsin Residents
Cases that appear to begin as routine theft investigations often expand into much larger public-safety concerns. That’s exactly what has happened with Derek Edwards. While single theft incidents may not grab headlines, repeated offenses tied to a long criminal history raise red flags for investigators and the community.
The Wisconsin’s Most Wanted classification is not used casually. It signals a case that requires public attention due to the fugitive’s history, activity, and potential risk. In Edwards’ situation, the combination of past weapon involvement and recent retail crimes has made him a high-priority individual for the agencies leading the search.
This article breaks down Edwards’ background, the events that led to the current warrant, and why law enforcement continues to sound the alarm across Milwaukee and the wider region.
Who Is Derek Edwards? A Profile of the Fugitive
Derek Edwards has been in contact with law enforcement for many years. His record reflects a series of offenses tied to drugs, firearms, and property crimes. These incidents have taken place in both Wisconsin and nearby states, marking him as someone with a long and varied criminal trajectory.
Key Personal Details Confirmed by Investigators
- Age: 47
- Residence: Milwaukee
- Height: Around 5 feet 5 inches
- Weight: About 168 pounds
- Physical markings: A Grim Reaper tattoo on his chest, a dragon tattoo on his left arm, and the name “Cheryl” tattooed on his right arm
- Aliases: Known to use “Derek Quigley” and “DQ”
These identifiers are significant because Edwards has been known to change his appearance or use alternative names to avoid detection, particularly in periods when he is facing active warrants.
Edwards’ Previous Federal Case Involving a Stolen Assault Rifle
Long before this latest search, Derek Edwards was sentenced to federal prison for a gun case that remains one of the most serious entries on his record. During a traffic stop, officers discovered that Edwards was in possession of a stolen assault rifle. As a convicted felon, he was legally prohibited from possessing any firearm, let alone a weapon classified as an assault rifle.
What made the case worse for him was the additional discovery of cocaine in his system. Those combined factors resulted in federal charges and a prison sentence that kept him behind bars for years.
After completing his sentence, Edwards transitioned into supervised release. The supervision period—meant to ease someone back into community life with oversight—would become a critical part of the story that leads to his current status on Wisconsin’s Most Wanted.
Supervised Release: A Second Chance That Slipped Away
Supervised release requires regular check-ins, drug testing, and compliance with various conditions. For some individuals, it becomes an encouraging turning point. For others, it becomes a challenge. In Edwards’ case, investigators say he began missing appointments, became difficult to locate, and drifted into new criminal behavior.
These violations didn’t happen all at once. They escalated gradually, starting with missed check-ins and eventually progressing into the series of retail thefts that have now placed him at the center of statewide attention.
A Detailed Look at the 2025 Retail Theft Cases
The turning point in Edwards’ current situation emerged through several retail theft cases documented throughout 2025. These incidents occurred at multiple stores across the Milwaukee area and were spaced closely enough together that investigators saw a pattern forming.
Spring 2025: Early Incidents That Raised Eyebrows
The first documented case from 2025 involved Edwards attempting to steal perfume from a Meijer store in Wauwatosa. Officers detained him and recovered the items. During that encounter, Edwards reportedly admitted that he was struggling with drug issues—something that investigators believe may have been a driving factor behind his behavior.
Not long after the Meijer incident, a second situation unfolded at another local retailer. This time, officers located a backpack containing clothing and laundry detergent—items that had also been stolen. The proximity of the incidents, combined with his criminal history, caused renewed concern among agencies monitoring him.
Fall 2025: A Surge in Activity at Major Retailers
As summer turned to fall, the thefts became more frequent. Between September and October 2025, Edwards was tied to several retail theft incidents, including those involving Walmart and other chain stores.
These weren’t high-dollar crimes, but they represented repeated violations while Edwards was under active supervision. Each incident compounded the seriousness of the situation. By October, investigators determined that Edwards was no longer complying with any requirements of his federal release.
This is when the search intensified, and the Wisconsin’s Most Wanted designation followed soon after.
Why Law Enforcement Raised the Public-Safety Flag
It may seem at first glance that retail theft cases are minor compared to more violent crimes. But investigators emphasize that Edwards’ case isn’t just about isolated thefts. It’s about a repeated pattern tied to someone with a long criminal history, including weapons involvement.
When those factors combine, law enforcement considers the risk much higher.
Reasons Officials Classify Him as a Risk
- A history of firearm possession despite legal prohibition
- Past involvement with narcotics
- A long timeline of criminal behavior
- A recent surge in retail theft activity
- Failure to abide by court-ordered supervision
- An ongoing pattern of evasion
These concerns, when viewed together, paint a picture of someone who is repeatedly returning to criminal behavior and ignoring legal boundaries.
Current Status: The Warrant and the Ongoing Manhunt
As of today’s date, there remains an active warrant for Derek Edwards after he failed to check in with his probation officer and became unreachable. Authorities believe he is still in Milwaukee, with possible movement around the Capitol Drive area—an area he has been associated with in the past.
The Wisconsin’s Most Wanted segment featuring Edwards has been widely shared in an effort to gather leads. Investigators note that public involvement has played a crucial role in past arrests, and they hope for similar cooperation now.
Edwards is not believed to be targeting individuals directly. However, his history and current behavior mean he should not be approached under any circumstances.
How the Public Can Safely Assist in the Search
Community involvement is often the missing piece in fugitive searches. That’s why Wisconsin’s Most Wanted exists: to expand the search beyond the hands of law enforcement alone.
If someone believes they have seen Derek Edwards, the first priority should be personal safety. Observers should avoid any direct interaction, especially considering Edwards’ unpredictable history.
Steps the Public Should Follow
- Move to a secure location
- Take note of details such as clothing, direction of travel, vehicle type, or nearby landmarks
- Contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Marshals tip line
- Provide information anonymously if preferred
These tips have led to successful captures in many previous cases. Even the smallest detail can help investigators locate a fugitive.
Why Wisconsin’s Most Wanted Continues to Play an Important Role
Criminal investigations don’t occur in a vacuum. Programs like Wisconsin’s Most Wanted create a bridge between law enforcement and everyday residents who may unknowingly cross paths with fugitives.
The program enhances public safety by:
- Sharing clear and updated information
- Holding repeat offenders accountable
- Encouraging community participation
- Supporting faster arrests and reducing ongoing safety risks
In the case of Derek Edwards, this system is proving its value once again. By sharing his profile widely, authorities hope to conclude the ongoing search and address the underlying issues that continue to place him and others at risk.
Looking Ahead: The Search Remains Active
The search for Derek Edwards continues, and officials emphasize that they will pursue every credible lead. His presence on Wisconsin’s Most Wanted highlights the seriousness of the situation, and the community’s awareness plays a major role in bringing such cases to a close.
As the investigation moves forward, updates are expected. Until then, residents are encouraged to remain observant, stay informed, and report any information that could help locate him and restore a measure of safety to affected neighborhoods.
Share your thoughts on this Wisconsin’s Most Wanted case in the comments below and stay informed as new updates emerge.