(News Release) On Friday night approx... 1900 hours one of my deputies was involved in a shooting. The incident started as a high speed pursuit on Hwy 77 East bound and transitioned into Sawyer County. Suspect vehicle stopped about 2 miles into Sawyer County. Without going in to particulars, as this investigation is ongoing, the incident ended with my deputy having to discharge his weapon at the suspect, suspect was wounded and is in a hospital recovering.
Our deputy, who is on administrative leave, is doing fine and we are watching out for his well-being in all aspects of his life. The WI Division of Criminal Investigation has the case and it is in process, they come up the same night with 7 agents in tow and started their work, which was exceptional. Wisconsin State Patrol came in the same night with many troopers and they are doing the Recon and they as well have been great. Sheriff Mark Kelsey from Sawyer County and his staff have been outstanding. Sheriff Mark Kelsey’s concern for our deputy and my staff and what we will be going through……….well I have no words to describe my feeling. Since this incident ending in Sawyer County most of this investigation falls in his lap.
I thank all agencies and personnel that assisted the night of the incident. I also take this opportunity to commend our dispatchers the night of the incident. Their performance during this high stress time was exceptional. As the deputy involved told me “dispatch was my life line”. One more example of the quality of personnel we have at the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Dryden
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(News Release) On Friday, September 30th, 2016 Washburn County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle traveling eastbound on Hwy 77 between Minong and Hayward. The vehicle then fled and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended then the driver came to a stop on Hwy 77 near Harper Road in Sawyer County. Shortly after being stopped the driver produced a handgun forcing the deputy to shoot in self-defense. After securing the scene the driver was transported to the Hayward Hospital by the Sawyer County Ambulance.
The incident is being investigated by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation. The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Wisconsin State Patrol, City of Hayward Police, Sawyer County Ambulance, the Winter Fire Department, the Town of Hayward Fire Department, and the City of Hayward Fire Department.
For more information please direct inquiries to Johnny Koremenos, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Wisconsin Department of Justice at Koremenosj@doj.state.wi.us or 608-266-1221.
Sheriff Mark Kelsey
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Officer-Involved Shooting Near Hayward
On Friday September 30th, 2016 law enforcement engaged in the pursuit of a vehicle on State Highway 77 which ended in the Lenroot Township of Sawyer County.
The result of this pursuit ended with an officer-involved shooting. The suspect's injuries were not fatal at the time of the incident, but his current condition is unknown.
The Sawyer County Sheriff's Department stated on their Facebook page that no suspects remain at large following the pursuit and that the incident remains under investigation.
More information is expected to be released this weekend.
Last Update: Oct 17, 2016 7:31 am CDT
