MILWAUKEE — A Dane County death investigation escalated into a police pursuit and officer-involved shooting in Marinette on Friday morning, August 29, leaving the suspect dead, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ).
Authorities say the chain of events began around 9:10 a.m., when a Marinette police officer identified a vehicle believed to be connected to an active death investigation in Dane County. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to pull over, sparking a high-speed chase.
The pursuit unfolded along southbound I-41 and stretched across portions of Marinette County. The chase came to an end near Schact Road, where the suspect’s vehicle crashed. Multiple law enforcement agencies — including additional Marinette police officers, Marinette County sheriff’s deputies, and officers from the Peshtigo Police Department — responded quickly to the scene.
According to the DOJ, after the crash, the suspect exited the vehicle and advanced toward officers. In an attempt to subdue the individual, a Marinette County deputy deployed a taser, but it was reportedly ineffective. Moments later, two Marinette police officers opened fire, striking the suspect.
Emergency medical personnel were called, and the suspect was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, officials confirmed that the suspect later died.
The Wisconsin DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has taken over the case, as is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings in the state. Investigators are working to determine the precise sequence of events, including what led the suspect to flee and the circumstances surrounding their connection to the Dane County death investigation.
Officials have not yet released the suspect’s identity pending notification of family members. The names of the officers involved are also being withheld during the early stages of the investigation.
Per standard policy, the officers who discharged their weapons will be placed on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds. The DOJ stated that once its review is complete, the findings will be turned over to the local district attorney’s office for review.
The incident has raised concerns across both Dane and Marinette Counties, as two separate investigations — a death in Dane County and the fatal officer-involved shooting in Marinette — now intersect.
Law enforcement agencies have not released additional details regarding the original Dane County death investigation, but they confirmed that the vehicle was a key link connecting the suspect to that case.
The Wisconsin DOJ is urging anyone who may have witnessed the chase, the crash, or the moments leading up to the shooting to contact investigators as they work to piece together the events of Friday morning.
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