BROWN COUNTY (NBC 26) — A police officer is recovering in the hospital after what police call an accidental discharge of his service pistol.
It happened following a police chase in Brown County on Wednesday. Police said a 7-year veteran of the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department was injured Wednesday afternoon during a traffic stop on Highway 29. The officer, whose name is not being released at this time, remains hospitalized Thursday morning.
The incident began with a welfare check on a 30-year-old Hobart man and concluded with the man being taken into custody following the traffic stop. Charges against the man are currently pending, who has been detained under protective custody.
Portions of WIS 29 at FF eastbound in Brown County were closed due to a police pursuit following the welfare check.
Alert | BROWN Co | Other | WIS 29 EB | County FF | All Lanes Blocked (One Direction) | https://t.co/tYLOLcVAKG
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“The incident and the circumstances surrounding the injury to our officer are currently under investigation,” according to HLPD Police Captain Michael A. Renkas. “We have considerable resources and evidence to analyze and review, and that process is underway and ongoing. I would like to thank the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Brown County Communications Center, Green Bay Police Department, Oneida Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, County Rescue and the Brown County Highway Department for the assistance they provided during and following the incident. We also appreciate the patience of the motorists who were delayed and detoured because of this event.”
While attempting to stop the vehicle, an officer had an accidental discharge of weapon, and shot himself in the hip region. The officer was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Hobart man was barricaded in his car for over two hours but was later taken into custody.
“Our primary concern at this time is the recovery and well-being of our officer,” said Village Administrator Aaron Kramer. “We are focused on making sure he and his family receive the assistance they need during this difficult time. The public support for the officer and the Department is very much appreciated by all of us with the Village of Hobart and Town of Lawrence.”
WIS 29 reopened just before 3:30 after being closed for two hours.
