Sheriff Kevin Bygd Announces Re-Election Campaign for Dunn County Sheriff

Dunn County, WI — Today, April 15, Sheriff Kevin Bygd officially filed candidacy paperwork to seek re-election for another term as Dunn County Sheriff.

Sheriff Bygd has served with the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office for 37 years, including the past seven and a half years as Sheriff. He is seeking a third term and will be collecting a minimum of 200 signatures over the next six weeks to secure a place on the ballot for the August 11th primary election and the November 3rd general election.

“It has been an honor to serve Dunn County for the past 37 years, and I hope to be given the opportunity to continue for another four years,” said Sheriff Bygd. “I strive to lead a professional, customer service–driven agency that meets the expectations of the citizens of Dunn County. While I know not every decision will make everyone happy, that is part of any leadership role.”

Sheriff Bygd emphasized his commitment to continued service, public safety, and maintaining strong relationships within the community as he seeks re-election.

Sheriff Kevin Bygd

Vehicle Pursuit of Reckless Driver & Crash

On April 13, 2026, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office received information that a vehicle was speeding on Westbound Interstate 94 at speeds up to 140 MPH after a Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) attempted to stop the vehicle for speeding in Jackson County.  The vehicle fled from the WSP Trooper when the Trooper attempted to stop and pursuit was terminated due to high speed.

Local Law Enforcement and/or WSP Troopers observed the suspect vehicle continuing to drive at speeds more than 100 MPH - and reaching speeds of 140 MPH at times - even when not actively being pursued by law enforcement.  This reckless driving behavior continued through Jackson, Trempealeau, and Eau Claire Counties on Interstate 94.

Due to the blatant disregard for the speed limit and utter disregard for the safety of the motoring public, Dunn County Sheriffs’ deputies deployed tire-deflation devices (TDD) on Interstate 94 in Eastern Dunn County.  Another Dunn County deputy observed the vehicle enter Dunn County and clocked its speed over 120 MPH, passing other motorists and changing lanes.

A Dunn County deputy attempted to stop the vehicle again and then other deputies were able to immediately deploy TDD near Elk Mound on Interstate 94. The suspect vehicle continued to drive at speeds over 100 MPH.  Another Dunn County deputy and a WSP Trooper successfully deployed an additional set of TDD in the Town of Red Cedar on Interstate 94.  The suspect vehicle began to slow but continued to attempt to speed away.

Near mile marker 46 westbound, the suspect vehicle lost control and collided with another vehicle traveling on the Interstate, causing both vehicles to enter into the ditch.  Deputies and WSP Troopers arrived at the scene moments later and rendered medical aid to those involved.  Dunn County deputies immediately apprehended the suspect (operator) of the fleeing vehicle.

The operator was identified as 24 Year-Old Hussain Imam of Skokie, Illinois.  Imam received medical treatment and was then transported and held at the Dunn County Jail, pending a bond appearance.  The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office will be referring charges for the following:

-        1^st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety

-        Operator Flee/Elude Traffic Officer

-        Reckless Driving Causing Injury (3 Counts)

-        Possess with Intent to Deliver THC <=200 grams

-        Possession of Firearm Enhancer

The innocent motorist that was struck was occupied by a 50 year-old female and a 10-year old female from Minnesota who were transported to an area hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

The suspect vehicle also had one passenger, a 27 year-old female from Fort Myers, Florida, who was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

The crash and case remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office.  The Menomonie Fire Department and Menomonie Police Department assisted at the scene.

Sheriff Kevin Bygd

Deputies Deploy Less-Lethal During Response to Barricaded Suspect

On April 12, 2026 at 6:49 PM, the Dunn County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call of a female reporting an active domestic violence situation on 1130^th Avenue, Boyceville, in the Township of Hay River.

During response to the scene, deputies learned the male suspect physically assaulted a female inside a residence and then went outside, eventually entering a camper on the property.  The male suspect secured the camper door and refused to exit when deputies arrived, waving a crowbar and threatening officers.

After lengthy negotiation and continued non-compliance, deputies used bean-bag less-lethal rounds to penetrate the RV windows and then deployed non-lethal PepperBall projectiles into the RV, attempting to motivate the suspect to exit and surrender.

Deputies breached the front door of the camper and after deploying additional rounds of non-lethal PepperBall projectiles, the suspect surrendered to deputies and exited without further incident.  The suspect was checked by EMS at the scene prior to transport to the Dunn County Jail.  The suspect was uninjured and no officers were injured in the incident.

The suspect was identified as 59 year-old Dennis Mittelstadt of Boyceville, Wisconsin.  He was arrested and transported to the Dunn County Jail.  Mittelstadt was charged with the following:

-        False Imprisonment (Domestic Related)

-        Disorderly Conduct (Domestic Related)

-        Threat to Cause Bodily Harm to Officer

-        Felony Bail Jumping

Mittelstadt is currently being held at the Dunn County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond.

PepperBall Projectiles reduce risk of injuries and fatalities during encounters with law enforcement.  By providing time and distance, PepperBall allows deputies to address situations from a safer range, reducing the likelihood of physical confrontation and escalated levels of force.  With an emphasis on de-escalation and gaining compliance, PepperBall was built to provide maximum effectiveness and change suspect behavior.

Sheriff Kevin Bygd