Obilio Roblero, a 32-year-old resident of Gillett, Wisconsin, was arrested in Jacksonville, Arkansas, following an extensive manhunt after fleeing a fatal accident in Oconto County that killed retired Green Bay policeman, Thomas Roberts. Roblero, who is reportedly in the U.S. illegally, now has an active Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer issued. He was taken into custody on October 28, 2024, and is being held at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility, awaiting extradition to Wisconsin to face charges related to the incident.
The hit-and-run occurred on Friday, October 25, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Shawano Line Road near Nelson Road in the Town of Gillett. According to the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office, Roblero was driving a silver 2007 GMC Acadia SUV westbound when he allegedly struck an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) driven by Thomas Roberts, 60, a retired Green Bay police officer. The impact was severe, and despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, Roberts succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses reported seeing Roblero flee the scene on foot immediately after the collision, sparking a search effort involving multiple agencies. With the support of various law enforcement departments, including the Wisconsin State Patrol, Green Bay Police Department, and Jacksonville Police Department in Arkansas, Roblero was located and arrested at a hotel in Jacksonville.
The Oconto County Sheriff’s Office has extended its gratitude to the numerous agencies that aided in Roblero’s capture. The collaboration across state lines underscores the commitment to bringing justice for Roberts and his family, who are grieving the loss of a beloved husband, father, and respected retired officer.
As the investigation remains active, the Sheriff’s Office continues to request the public’s cooperation. Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the case to contact them.
The tragic death of Officer Roberts has shaken the community, with former colleagues and friends remembering his years of dedicated service to Green Bay. The Sheriff’s Office expressed heartfelt condolences to Roberts’ family, honoring his memory while pursuing accountability for the events that led to his untimely death.