Oct. 28, 2018 – Dodge Co., WI – This press release is meant to provide information related to last night’s incident for you this morning and is exactly the same information provided in this morning’s press conference.
The public and the media have come to know that the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and Beaver Dam Police Department are very open and transparent about incidents that occur in Dodge County.
That being said, there are times in which we must be cautious with the information that we release in incidents such as these so that we do not impede the course of the investigation.
It is of utmost importance that we ensure an accurate account of events for all involved which not only includes law enforcement officers, but also citizens involved, and the citizens of Dodge County. Furthermore, this incident involves information which is prohibited for law enforcement to release under chapter 19 of Wisconsin State Statutes related to release of mental health information. We will provide information that we are able, but we will be limited today.
As it relates to the identity of individuals involved, it is the policy of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office to not release the names of individuals involved in incidents resulting in significant injury for at least 24 hours or at such time as all family members have been properly notified, whichever comes last. We also must complete certain portions of our investigation before that information can be released. As a result the name of involved persons will not be released until a later time.
As the details are explained, please know that the public is safe in relation to this incident.
At 5:36 pm last evening, Beaver Dam Police responded to a report of a domestic type incident at 510 Walnut St in the City of Beaver Dam. Beaver Dam Police Officers responded to the scene and while in contact with involved persons officers reacted to a situation involving a firearm. Preliminary information shows that shots were fired by law enforcement and a 35 year old Beaver Dam man was shot in the lower extremities. Following shots being fired, assisting officers were able to take the male subject into custody without further incident. He was immediately treated by Beaver Dam Paramedics and transported to the hospital. He was later transferred to UW Hospital for further treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
The sheriff’s office offered assistance to the family of this individual to assist the family during this traumatic time, however, was advised that they would reach out for assistance as needed.
There were no injuries suffered by any officers as a result of shots being fired. One officer did receive minor injuries while attempting to move to cover.
As this is an Officer Involved Shooting involving the Beaver Dam PoliceDepartment, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office was requested to investigate the incident. Our Detective Division is actively investigating the incident and upon completion of the investigation, we will be turning it over to the Dodge County District Attorney for review.
Further details may be released at a later time, but we do not anticipate any further information being made available prior to Noon on Tuesday, October 30.
Chief John Kreuziger also issued the following statement:
“As this case is being investigated by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office I can’t comment on the details of the incident. I would like to take a moment to discuss the officer involved and the actions taken by the police department.
The officer involved in the shooting is a 17 year veteran of the police department. Again, we will not be releasing his name at this time. He has been placed on non-disciplinary administrative leave per Beaver Dam Police Department Policy pending the investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and our own independent internal review.
We are providing for appropriate support for the involved officers and their families. I am confident in the decisions made by my officers in critical incidents as they are well trained.
I would like to thank the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Dodge County District Attorney’s Office, Beaver Dam Paramedics, and the Dodge County Emergency Response Team for their assistance in this incident.”
Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt