Joint News Release from the
Jackson Police Department and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office
August 18, 2016
District Attorney Concludes that Use of Force was Justified
District Attorney Mark Bensen has concluded that the fatal shooting of a Hubertus man by a Jackson police officer during a domestic fight was justified.
On July 1 at about 7:00 PM, three Jackson police officers and a Washington County deputy responded to a Stonewall Drive townhouse after a 57-year-old woman called 911 and reported that her boyfriend was attacking her. The officers found Helmut Wihowski, 58, inside a bathroom as he was trying to slash the woman with a large kitchen knife. After ignoring several orders to drop the knife, Officer Kyle Henning fired twice at the man.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation, which investigated the case at the request of Chief Jed Dolnick, submitted its report to District Attorney Mark Bensen on August 1.
After reviewing that report, including a statement from the victim, Mr. Bensen has concluded that the use of deadly force by Officer Henning was entirely appropriate and privileged by the doctrine of defense of others under Section 939.48 Wisconsin Statutes:
“I believe that Officer Henning acted with courage and good judgment, in the face of extreme stress and danger. I
also believed that Officer Henning’s actions likely prevented further injuries (and possibly even death) from occurring to the victim. Officer Henning should be commended for his bravery and skill that he showed in protecting the citizens of the village of Jackson and Washington County from a dangerous individual.”
According to Chief Dolnick, Officer Henning had been on administrative leave since the incident but has returned to his normal duties.
Chief Jed M. Dolnick
Jackson Police Department
N168W20733 Main Street
Jackson, Wisconsin 53037