On September 5, 2017 at approximately 11:35 a.m., Fitchburg Police responded to the 2200 block of South Fish Hatchery Road for a weapons-related incident. A caller to the 911 Center reported her husband had discharged a firearm in the residence multiple times and that she was currently in their residence with him.
Based upon the reported nature of this incident, Fitchburg Police established a perimeter and closed Fish Hatchery Road near the scene of the incident. While attempts were being made to establish contact with the male, he exited the residence and was in the presence of another female. The male had kicked out the front door to the residence and went toward an outbuilding on the property and began breaking out windows. The male had also armed himself with a baseball bat.
Based upon the reported discharge of a firearm and the dangerous behavior the male was exhibiting, Fitchburg Officers believed it was necessary to attempt to take the subject into custody to prevent potential harm to the females or others in the area. As officers approached the subject they ordered him to drop the bat. The male dropped the bat, but refused to comply with additional orders while he repeatedly yelled for the officers to shoot him. Officers deployed less-lethal options available to them on scene and were able to take the male into custody.
The preliminary investigation indicates there may have been a domestic-related disturbance at the residence that escalated into the male discharging the firearm multiple times in the residence. It is not believed anyone was injured by the discharge of the firearm. The investigation also indicates the male had stated a desire to commit "suicide by cop" either prior to or after the arrival of police personnel.
The male was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and further evaluation. One of the females at the residence was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for evaluation. The incident remains under investigation and charges against the male are likely to be requested.
The Fitchburg Police Department received assistance from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon Police Department, the Madison Police Department, and Fitch-Rona EMS.
If anyone has any information related to this incident, they may contact the Fitchburg Police Department at 270-4300.
Prepared by: Lt. Chad Brecklin
Incident #FP17-0013050