February 20, 2024 – Dodge Co., WI – On Monday, February 19, 2024, at 6:20 a.m., a Columbus Police Officer was dispatched to Prairie Ridge Health 1515 Park Avenue in Columbus for a report of a man outside the entrance with a gun. As the officer arrived it was reported the man had shot himself in the emergency room waiting area. Medical aid was immediately attempted by medical staff but not viable, as he had already passed away.
As a result of this incident, Columbus Police Officers requested Dodge County Deputies respond to the individual’s residence, in the Town of Elba, Dodge County, to check on the status of the individual’s wife.
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At 6:58 a.m., the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office arrived at an address on Oak Grove Drive and located a female deceased in the home. The sheriff’s office immediately began a joint law enforcement investigation into this incident and the case is still open and under investigation. As such we are only able to provide limited details into the investigation.
Our investigation to this point has led us to believe that David Zittel, 85, shot his wife, Susan Zittel, both of the Town of Elba. He then went to Prairie Ridge Health, entered the lobby, and shot himself. No other individuals are believed to be involved in this incident.
With this incident occurring inside of a hospital, we feel it is important for the public to be aware this is an isolated incident, and the community is safe. We would like to community to also know that the Prairie Ridge Health responded as they should have and immediately went into lock down until mid-afternoon.
They also diverted all ambulances temporarily until it was determined safe to resume operations. They resumed normal operation after the law enforcement investigation was completed on Monday.
The Columbus Police Department and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office have been in contact with the family, and they respectfully request privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
No other information will be available for release in this incident until the investigation has been completed.
February 19, 2024 – Dodge Co., WI – The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation on Oak Grove Road in the Town of Elba. Sheriff’s office detectives are investigating what occurred.
Also, the Columbus Police Department is investigating a death that occurred in the Emergency/Urgent Care lobby of Prairie Ridge Health, 1515 Park Avenue, Columbus. Investigators are currently on the scene at this location investigating as well.
While the investigations into these two death scenes are still ongoing, it is believed both incidents are related, and a joint investigation is ongoing.
There is no risk to the public or the hospital, but the emergency/urgent care entrance of the hospital is closed but expected to reopen soon. If a member of the public does need to be seen at this location and the entrance is still closed, staff will direct individuals to an adjacent entrance for their medical needs.
No further details are being released right now regarding these death investigations out of respect for next of kin as they work to notify their families, but further details are expected to be released on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale Schmidt or Chief Dennis Weiner of the Columbus Police Department
