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Troopers shoot, kill suspect following pursuit in Jefferson County: DOJ

Posted at 2:13 PM, Dec 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-09 23:18:24-05

FORT ATKINSON — Wisconsin State Patrol troopers shot and killed an armed suspect following a pursuit and attempted carjacking in Jefferson County Wednesday evening, authorities say.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice outlined the incident in a statement, as its Division of Criminal Investigation is now investigating the incident due to it being an officer-involved death.

Around 12:30 p.m., troopers attempted a traffic stop on Highway 26 between Watertown and Johnson Creek. The DOJ states that the vehicle stopped for a short time, and a passenger got out and was later apprehended. The driver of the vehicle sped off.

The troopers pursued the vehicle down Highway 26. During the pursuit, the driver pulled out a gun and fired several shots at the pursuing troopers, according to the DOJ.

The vehicle then drove over road spikes, shredding its tires. The suspect exited Highway 26 onto Highway 12, where the vehicle came to a stop in the median under the highway.

That's when the driver got out of the vehicle, armed with a handgun, and attempted to carjack a vehicle.

Three Wisconsin State Patrol troopers then fired their weapons at the suspect, striking the person, the DOJ states.

Law enforcement attempted life-saving measures, but the driver died from their injuries. A medical helicopter was later spotted landing and then lifting off from the scene of the incident.

No law enforcement personnel were injured in the incident. The three troopers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, as is standard practice for officer-involved deaths.

Incident closes all lanes on US12 at WIS26 in Jefferson County

The DOJ's DCI is assisted in their investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and the DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services. The DCI will turn over investigative reports to the Jefferson County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.

TMJ4 News obtained dispatch audio during the incident:

"Be advised, they are shooting at us. They did shoot at me at 26 and B."

"Subject waving a gun outside the window."

"Copy, shots fired, person down," dispatchers said. "No law enforcement hit," a squad responded.

US 12 was closed, as well as the on and off ramps at the intersection, for several hours due to the incident. Lanes have since reopened.

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