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Police: Shooting victim charged cops with knife

Posted at 10:54 AM, Jan 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-09 17:33:16-05

Town of Geneva police say a man shot by officers Friday was killed because he charged at officers with a knife. 

The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Eric Olsen. 

Authorities say they were called to the 3800 block of Lincoln Road shortly after 5 p.m. after receiving reports of a man breaking a window with an ax. 

Police say Olsen charged at officers with a large knife, prompting both officers to shoot their weapons. 

Michelle Basith told TODAY’s TMJ4 that she arrived home to find three police squad cars parked across from her home and a man laying face down in the snow. 

"I was driving home from work and my daughter called me, she was kind of upset. She heard fighting, she thought it was out in front of the house, she tried calling 911, I told her I would be home shortly," Basith said.

Other neighbors say they heard arguing and shouting, followed by multiple shots fired. 

Residents of the community call the developments shocking. They area, located  near Lake Como, attracts a lot of summertime residents. They say it is rare to even see police cars on their street.

 
"Nothing ever happens here. It's quiet, friendly, peaceful," said Tina Jesse, who lives in the neighborhood. 

The Walworth County Sheriff Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice are investigating the shooting. Both officers were placed on administrative leave.