WSP Trooper Struck and Injured on Interstate 94 in Dunn County

On March 9, 2023 at approximately 9:57 PM, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and Menomonie Fire Department were dispatched for a vehicle crash on Interstate 94 near mile marker 33 westbound in the Township of Lucas, Dunn County. The Dunn County Communications Center received information from the Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) that a Trooper was investigating a crash at that location and was struck by a passing vehicle.

Preliminary investigation showed the WSP Trooper was outside of his patrol car standing alongside a pickup truck on the right shoulder of the freeway investigating an unrelated crash. A westbound sedan approached that scene, struck the Trooper, and also struck the pickup truck he was standing alongside. The road conditions were snow-covered and slippery.

The pickup truck was occupied by two adult males who were uninjured. The striking vehicle was occupied by three adult females who were uninjured. Both vehicles received disabling damage and were removed from the scene by tow trucks. The Trooper’s squad car was not struck. Lane 2 near the crash location was closed for approximately 2 hours during the incident.

The Trooper was transported by ambulance to an area hospital and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds and urges all drivers to reduce speed when inclement weather and road conditions are present. In addition, drivers should reduce speed and exercise caution when approaching emergency scenes on the highway. State law requires drivers to reduce speed in both of these situations.

SS 346.57(3) “The operator of every vehicle shall… drive at an appropriate reduced speed… when special hazard exists with regard to other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.”

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

###

Sheriff Kevin Bygd

/CP

Dunn County District Attorney: Officer Involved Shooting Deemed Justified

Release from: Dunn County District Attorney's Office

Dunn County, Wisconsin

March 09, 2023

For Immediate Release

OFFICER INVOVLED SHOOTING DEEMED JUSTIFIED

AS SELF-DEFENSE AND DEFENSE OF OTHERS

Dunn County District Attorney Andrea Nodolf released her decision today that the use of deadly force by Dunn County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Blum, Menomonie Police Department Officer Tyson Kahl, and Menomonie Police Department Lieutenant Michael Sampson were justified acts of self-defense and defense of others on January 21, 2023.

Nodolf stated “While the death of Nicholas Ciccarelli is tragic, based on his statements and actions that night, these officers were left with no other choice, likely in part due to the very high level of methamphetamine in his blood”. It is fortunate that no innocent bystanders were harmed or killed in this incident. Under the circumstances of this case, the Dunn County District Attorney’s Office concluded that Deputy Blum’s use of deadly force was wholly and completely justified as a reasonable act of self-defense. Further, Officer Kahl and Lt. Sampson’s use of deadly force was wholly and completely justified as a reasonable act of defense of others. As such, no action will be taken by this Office and this matter is closed. This community owes all of the officers involved that night a debt of thanks for putting their lives on the line to protect the public in this instance. This community is truly grateful for their selfless and dedicated service.

In a detailed report, Nodolf described the events of the evening of January 21, 2023 which started with a 911 call from a caller describing someone (later determined to be Nicholas Ciccarelli (02/26/1977)) was at his door demanding he open up and threatening to kill him. Ciccarelli subsequently fired shots from his handgun and stole the caller’s car, a blue PT Cruiser. Based on that 911 call and subsequent events, three law enforcement departments, the Menomonie Police Department, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Wisconsin-Stout Police Department dispatched officers to the scene.

Upon arrival, law enforcement located Ciccarelli who was operating the stolen vehicle in an erratic fashion in the immediate neighborhood of the initial scene. The officers quickly secured the scene in order to protect innocent bystanders and attempted to take Ciccarelli safely into custody. Ciccarelli repeatedly refused law enforcement commands and other options to safely bring him into custody.

Deputy Blum initially engaged Ciccarelli in his marked squad car with the emergency lights activated. Deputy Blum exited his squad and issued verbal commands of “Get on the ground” to Ciccarelli who had now exited the stolen car. Ciccarelli did not comply. Deputy Blum again repeated “Get on the ground”. Despite the law enforcement commands, Ciccarelli refused and instead advanced directly towards Deputy Blum, and said “Do it then”. At this time, Deputy Blum observed a silver handgun in Ciccarelli’s right hand. In response to these actions, Deputy Blum was left with no other choice but to fire as he feared Ciccarelli was going to kill him. Officer Kahl heard Lt. Sampson yell “gun” and observed Ciccarelli begin to raise his handgun toward Deputy Blum. Lt. Sampson also observed Ciccarelli quickly advance toward Deputy Blum with the handgun. Both Lt. Sampson and Officer Kahl fired on Ciccarelli at approximately the same time after observing the clear, imminent, and direct threat to Deputy Blum.

Life saving measures were immediately performed on Ciccarelli but were unfortunately unsuccessful. Ciccarelli’s weapon, a six inch barreled Smith and Wesson .357 magnum revolver with a stainless steel finish and wood-style grips was observed lying on the ground between Ciccarelli and the open door of Deputy Blum’s squad. The revolver was still cocked and ready to fire. Ciccarelli’s second firearm and 17 grams of methamphetamine were located on the passenger seat of the stolen car. Ciccarelli’s postmortem toxicology revealed positive drug screens with a high level of methamphetamine.

This incident was investigated by Special Agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistance was provided by the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Menomonie Fire Department. Special thanks to the Menomonie Police Department, Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, University of Wisconsin Stout Police Department, and community members who shared photographs and video camera footage of that night, and the Dunn County Emergency 911 dispatchers for their work during this home invasion incident and shooting.

####

Press Release - 03092023

.pdf

Download PDF • 320KB

Double Fatal Structure Fire - Township of Menomonie

On February 26, 2023 at approximately 5:20 AM, the Dunn County Communication Center received a call from an individual who advised of a structure fire at a duplex residence. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Menomonie Fire Department responded to the incident address of E4576 410th Ave in the Township of Menomonie, Dunn County, Wisconsin.

It was reported that there were two occupants in the home. A neighbor and family members attempted to rescue the two occupants, however were unsuccessful.

Upon arrival of law enforcement and fire personnel, the single story duplex home was full of smoke with some flames visible. The two occupants of the home were located inside the residence and were beyond help. Both individuals were pronounced deceased on scene by the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation. The names of the deceased individuals will not be released, at this time, pending family notification.

Assisting with the incident was the Menomonie Fire Department and the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office.

###

Sheriff Kevin Bygd