Dunn County Sheriffs' Deputy Involved in Critical Incident

WHEATON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer involved critical incident in Chippewa County, Wis. that occurred on the morning of Friday, December 1, 2023.

At approximately 1:23 a.m., a Dunn County Sheriff’s deputy began a pursuit in Dunn County of a vehicle. The pursuit continued into Chippewa County and entered the Township of Wheaton, Wis. The pursued vehicle exited Hwy 29 on to 90th Street and continued on 90th Street where it encountered a dead-end, turned around and crashed into a Wisconsin State Patrol cruiser that was providing assistance. The driver of the pursued vehicle is deceased, and the passenger of the vehicle was significantly injured and taken to a local hospital.

The Wisconsin State Patrol trooper who was in the cruiser was taken to the hospital for evaluation and later released.

The Wisconsin State Patrol and Dunn County Sheriff’s Office both utilize squad and body-worn cameras.

DCI is leading the investigation of the officer involved critical incident with assistance from Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit, DCI’s Digital Evidence Unit, and a DCI Crime Response Specialist. 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 Chippewa County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is currently available.

Please direct media inquiries to Wisconsin DOJ.

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12.1.23_Chippewa_OICI

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The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office to participate in Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office will join law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin and the nation for the annual the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. From Friday, August 18 through Labor Day, officers will work together to get impaired drivers off the roads and keep everyone safe.

“We anticipate more people will be out for final summer trips in the coming weeks and we want to make sure every traveler can get to their destination safely. The harm that can come from impaired driving is 100% preventable if everyone plans ahead,” Captain Travis Mayer said.

Someone is injured or killed in an impaired driving crash every two hours in Wisconsin. Last year in Wisconsin, there were 6,230 alcohol-related crashes, including 155 deaths. Alcohol contributed to more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities.

Drug-impaired drivers are also putting people in danger on the roads. A driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is compromised by drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Last year, there were 1,821 drug-related crashes that caused 64 deaths.

Wisconsin law enforcement officers have special training to combat impaired driving:

· 6,958 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement to help detect and remove impaired drivers from the roads

· 392 highly trained Drug Recognition Experts - among the most in the nation

· 25 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility enforcement task forces operating throughout the year, across the state

“The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting all road users from the dangers of impaired driving. We hope drivers will make smart decisions and choose not to drink and drive, but we will be there to stop risky driving behaviors to make sure everyone can have a safe Labor Day holiday,” Captain Travis Mayer said.

Everyone should plan ahead for safe travel:

· If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver, or find a safe alternative way home. Never allow someone who is impaired to get behind the wheel.

· Protect yourself and your passengers every time you travel. Buckle up, phone down. Watch your speed and eliminate distractions.

· If you suspect a driver is impaired, call 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver, vehicle, and location.

· Some bars and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home. Use the safe ride program, public transportation, or a rideshare service in your area.

1 Injured in Town of Dunn Home Invasion

On June 6, 2023 at approximately 3:25 AM, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a home in the

5100 block of CTH C in the Township of Dunn for the report of a female that forced entry into their home. One

of the homeowners confronted the female and the female struck the homeowner with a blunt weapon.

The homeowners were able to physically subdue the female until Sheriff’s Deputies arrived. The female was

subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Dunn County Jail and is being held on multiple

charges. The female has not yet been positively identified. The suspect is believed to have drove a stolen

vehicle to the victim’s house and was also in possession of other stolen property, including identification that

did not belong to her.

The homeowner that was struck was treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.

This home invasion appears to be a random act and was not a targeted incident based on the preliminary

investigation.

The incident remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Kevin Bygd