CHIPPEWA COUNTY — The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating an officer-involved death in Chippewa County following a domestic abuse incident that escalated into a vehicle chase and armed confrontation with law enforcement, according to a press release from the Wisconsin DOJ.
PRESS RELEASE
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting an officer involved death investigation in the Town of Lafayette, Chippewa County, Wis. that occurred on the evening of Saturday, December 21, 2024.
At approximately 11:31 pm, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic abuse incident in the Town of Lafayette. The subject fled the scene in a vehicle prior to law enforcement’s arrival.
Deputies later located the subject’s vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle as part of the domestic abuse investigation.
The subject fled law enforcement, and later crashed their vehicle near the intersection of County Highway K and 50th Avenue in the Town of Lafayette. Following the crash, the subject fired a weapon at law enforcement, striking at least one squad car from the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office.
The Eau Claire Regional SWAT Team was called in to assist and upon their arrival, the subject continued firing at law enforcement, striking an armored vehicle. Two Regional SWAT Team operators discharged their weapons. EMS was contacted and law enforcement attempted life saving measures, however the subject was pronounced deceased on scene.
Involved law enforcement officers will be placed on administrative leave, per agencies’ policies.
DCI is leading this investigation and are assisted by a DCI Crime Response Specialist, Wisconsin State Patrol and the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation.
DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over the investigative reports to the Chippewa County District Attorney’s office when the investigation concludes.
Last Update: Dec 22, 2024 1:43 pm CST
