June 15, 2026 – Dodge Co., Wi – At approximately 6:56 p.m. on June 14, 2026, deputies from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Columbus Police Department responded to a report of an intoxicated male causing a disturbance and exhibiting threatening behavior toward members of the public at River Run Dog Park, located in the Town of Elba, north of the City of Columbus in Dodge County, Wisconsin.
Law enforcement personnel located the suspect and attempted to make contact with him.
During the course of that contact, the suspect fired at responding officers and deputies, striking one Dodge County Sheriff’s deputy.
The injured deputy sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to UW Hospital in Madison.
After firing at responding officers and deputies and striking the deputy, the suspect retreated into his vehicle. Responding law enforcement personnel immediately sought cover, secured the area, and coordinated a tactical rescue of the injured deputy so medical care could be provided. Officers and deputies then established a secure perimeter and coordinated a tactical response to safely resolve the incident.
Following the shooting, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office requested additional assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the safety of the public and responding personnel while efforts were made to take the suspect into custody.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team responded under mutual aid and assumed the lead role in the tactical operation to avoid any potential conflict of interest during the attempted apprehension of the suspect. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office remained involved in a support role during the operation.
Law enforcement personnel subsequently located the suspect deceased inside his vehicle.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
At no time during this incident did any law enforcement officer discharge a firearm.
The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Based on information obtained during the investigation, law enforcement does not believe any additional suspects were involved in this incident.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office facilitate an officer-involved incident investigation into the circumstances surrounding the initial shooting incident. Through a multi-jurisdictional officer-involved incident investigation team, investigators from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, and Juneau County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting the investigation.
Investigators have advised that a handgun was recovered near the suspect.
Thankfully, after receiving medical treatment, the deputy was released from the hospital early this morning and walked out under his own power, accompanied by family members, the Sheriff, a Patrol Lieutenant, and several fellow deputies.
Assisting agencies included the Columbus Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team, Dodge County Emergency Response Team, LifeStar EMS, Beaver Dam Fire Department, Beaver Dam Paramedics, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to all assisting agencies for their professionalism and cooperation during this incident. Our thoughts remain with the injured deputy, his family, and all those affected by this incident, both directly and indirectly.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as the investigation allows.
Below is the initial story.
June 14, 2026 – Dodge Co., Wi – The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and Columbus Police Department are currently involved in an active tactical situation in the area of Rec Road and Temkin Road in the Town of Elba, just south of the City of Columbus.
Residents in the immediate area are asked to shelter in place until further notice due to an immediate and ongoing safety concern within the affected area. Members of the public are also asked to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to safely conduct operations.
At this time, there is no indication of a threat to the general public outside of the affected area. However, residents and motorists are urged to follow all law enforcement instructions and avoid entering the area.
Highway 73 is currently closed between Highway 151 and the City of Columbus. Motorists should seek alternate routes and expect the closure to remain in place until the situation has been resolved.
Additional information is not available at this time. Updates will be provided as circumstances permit and when information can be safely released.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the cooperation and patience of residents as law enforcement personnel work to safely resolve this incident.
