Update, Oct. 23, 2022, 8:55 a.m., press release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice:
BROWNTOWN, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer involved critical incident in Lafayette and Green Counties, Wis. that occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, October 22, 2022.
A Lafayette County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a cross-county vehicle pursuit that began in Grant County following an incident that occurred in Dubuque, Iowa. At approximately 2:34 p.m., the Deputy deployed a spike strip, and the vehicle drove in the direction of the deputy, who discharged their firearm while in Lafayette County. The vehicle later crashed in Green County, where the driver fled on foot. As law enforcement was searching for the subject, a gunshot was heard and the individual was found near State Highway 11, west of County M. First responders administered first aid, but the individual died at the scene. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.
The involved Deputy from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy.
DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, DCI Crime Response Specialist, Wisconsin State Crime Lab and Belleville Police Department. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation.
DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Lafayette County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.
—————
Oct. 22, 2022, 11:27 p.m.:
According to Lafayette County Sheriff Reg Gill, on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at 2:20 p.m., the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an incident that had taken place in the City of Dubuque, Iowa.
This incident then involved law enforcement officers in Grant County, Wis. before moving into Lafayette County. This incident came to a conclusion in Green County, just outside of Browntown.
The investigation of this incident or series of incidents is ongoing. The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and the Green County Sheriff’s Office are being assisted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.
There is no further danger to the public at this time.
According to dispatch frequencies, a high speed pursuit of a vehicle involved law enforcement officers across several counties and municipalities.
Outside of Browntown, a vehicle crashed into the ditch. Med-Flight and the coroner were later called to the scene outside, where a suspect had allegedly suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
Highways and other roads in the surrounding area were closed off for several hours, with detours set up for regular traffic.
Witnesses to the chase across the region jumped to social media to share their stories, photos and dashcam videos, but confirmation of events has not been verified by officials.
More information will be released as it becomes available.