Man Sentenced On Convictions From 6-Hour Standoff Situation In Chetek

BARRON COUNTY  –  The Court has sentenced Kevin Swartz on convictions stemming from a standoff situation that occurred in Chetek, WI, in May 2021.

Swartz was arrested following a 6-hour standoff with law enforcement on May 2, 2021, in Chetek, WI. The Chetek Police Department responded to a 911 call at a residence on W Banks Street for a subject that was acting strange and paranoid. The Barron/Rusk County Emergency Response team was called to the scene along with the Chetek Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Wisconsin DNR. A perimeter was set up and nearby residences were evacuated.

According to a press release from Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, Swartz told officers that he had a gun and would shoot them and that he also had an explosive device in the house. During the course of the standoff, Swartz displayed a device that was black and claimed that it was an explosive. Following several hours of negotiations, officers entered the residence, and Swartz was taken into custody after he fell through a ceiling where he had attempted to conceal himself. Officers ultimately did not locate any explosive devices.

Swartz was charged with Class I Felony Bomb Scares; Class I Felony Terrorist Threats - Public Panic or Fear; 2 counts of Class H Felony Battery or Threat to Judge, Prosecutor, or Law Enforcement Officer; Class I Felony Fail/Comply-Officer/Person into Custody; Misdemeanor Possession of THC; and 2 counts of Misdemeanor Possess Drug Paraphernalia.

Numerous hearings were held throughout 2021. At a hearing in January 2022, Swartz pleaded guilty to his charges of Class I Felony Bomb Scares; Class H Felony Battery or Threat to Judge, Prosecutor, or Law Enforcement Officer; and Class I Felony Fail/Comply-Officer/Person into Custody. The remaining charges filed against Swarz were dismissed, but read in.

Related:

• Sheriff Fitzgerald Discusses Restraining Orders
• Barron County Weekly Jail Bookings Report
• Court Sentences Man For Conviction Of Possessing Meth With Intent To Deliver

On April 13, 2022, Swartz appeared for a sentencing hearing with the Hon. J.M. Bitney. Swartz received a 5-year imposed and stayed prison sentence with 5 years of probation for his conviction of Class H Felony Battery or Threat to Judge, Prosecutor, or Law Enforcement Officer. If probation is revoked, he will face 3 years of confinement in prison, followed by 2 years of supervision.

For his convictions of Class I Felony Bomb Scares and Class I Felony Fail/Comply - Officer / Person into Custody, Swartz received imposed and stayed prison sentences of 3 years, 6 months with 5 years of probation. If Swartz’s probation is revoked, he will face 18 months of confinement in state prison on each conviction followed by 2 years of extended supervision.

Judge Bitney ordered that Swartz’s 5 years of probation on each conviction will run concurrently. Swartz is ordered to pay $2,500.00 in restitution within 60 days. Conditions of supervision will require Swartz to maintain absolute sobriety and complete any and all evaluations, counseling, treatment, and follow-up recommended by Probation Agent.

He is ordered to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and take currently prescribed psychiatric medication as directed by a medical doctor. Judge Bitney also ordered Swartz to pay a $1,000.00 additional fine or complete 100 hours of community service within three years; he may complete the community service in Brown County. Swartz is ordered to obtain a GED, full-time employment and housing, and become active in NA/AA.