The Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending an armed male subject believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis, following a domestic disturbance investigation which started in Dodge County. It happened around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13.
The incident began after Dodge County authorities received information regarding a domestic-related investigation involving a 62-year-old man who had reportedly left a Dodge County residence armed with a rifle, while making statements indicating possible suicidal intentions.
The subject was ultimately located inside a motorhome, parked on a farm property on Arthur Road in the Town of Hartford. Due to credible information that the subject was armed with an AR-15-style rifle, had made threatening statements, and a female subject was sheltered in place inside the home directly adjacent to the RV, a large-scale law enforcement response was initiated.
Deputies quickly established containment around the property while nearby roadways, including portions of Arthur Road, County Highway U and Airport Drive, were temporarily shut down. Public safety also coordinated closely with personnel from the Hartford Municipal Airport, as airport operations were interrupted because emergency egress to the area necessitated crossing active runways during the emergency response.
Negotiators from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and assisting agencies established communication with the subject and worked for an extended period to peacefully de-escalate the situation.
During the tactical operations, the female occupant who had sheltered in place inside the residence on the property was safely taken out by law enforcement utilizing the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office armored rescue vehicle. Additionally, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office armored rescue vehicle was strategically deployed to block and immobilize the RV, preventing the subject from leaving the property.
The subject surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody at 6:57 p.m. A firearm was later recovered from inside the RV.
“This incident highlights the critical role our crisis negotiators play during high-risk situations involving individuals in crisis,” said Sheriff Martin Schulteis in a press release. “Their patience, professionalism, and ability to build communication under extremely tense circumstances were instrumental in bringing this situation to a peaceful resolution. Because of their efforts, along with the coordinated response of all assisting agencies, everyone involved went home safely tonight.”
Their collective efforts helped bring the situation to a safe and peaceful conclusion.
The investigation remains ongoing through the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office. Additional information regarding any potential charges will be released by that agency.
