In a harrowing incident in southwestern Wisconsin, a sheriff's deputy fatally shot a man who attempted to escape a traffic stop with the deputy clinging to his vehicle. The incident unfolded on a Friday evening after Vernon County Sheriff's deputies responded to a welfare check at a Genoa residence, according to a statement from the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
As deputies arrived, the man was seen departing the residence. A traffic stop was initiated, but the man accelerated, trying to flee with a deputy hanging onto the side of his vehicle. In response to the escalating danger, another deputy discharged their firearm, striking the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
It remains unclear whether the deputy who fired the shot was the same one who was being dragged by the vehicle. Fortunately, no officers sustained injuries during the incident. The DCI, which is responsible for investigating critical incidents involving law enforcement officers, has taken over the investigation. As per department policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative assignment. Upon completion, the DCI's findings will be submitted to the Vernon County District Attorney.
Genoa is situated approximately 100 miles northwest of Madison, close to the Minnesota border.
