On June 6, 2023 at approximately 3:25 AM, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a home in the 5100 block of CTH C in the Township of Dunn for the report of a female that forced entry into their home. One of the homeowners confronted the female and the female struck the homeowner with a blunt weapon. The homeowners were able to physically subdue the female until Sheriff’s Deputies arrived. The female was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Dunn County Jail and is being held on multiple charges. The female has not yet been positively identified. The suspect is believed to have drove a stolen vehicle to the victim’s house and was also in possession of other stolen property, including identification that did not belong to her. The homeowner that was struck was treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital. This home invasion appears to be a random act and was not a targeted incident based on the preliminary investigation. The incident remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Kevin Bygd

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2023 Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign reminds drivers to always buckle up The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office will join law enforcement agencies across the country to step up patrols and remind drivers that buckling up can save a life. The Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign begins May 22 and runs through June 4, 2023. “Seat belts are proven to save lives in a crash, but many still don’t buckle up,” Dunn County Sheriff’s Office said. “We’re stepping up enforcement right now because we want seat belt use to become an automatic habit for all drivers and passengers in Wisconsin.” Thousands of lives could be saved each year in the U.S. if every person was properly restrained on the road. In Wisconsin, preliminary numbers show 170 drivers and passengers who died in crashes in 2022 were not wearing a seat belt. An average of more than 2,300 unbuckled occupants are hurt in crashes every year. A 2022 survey found 87.5% of Wisconsin motorists wear seat belts. That number has been dropping in recent years and falls below the nationwide seat belt use rate of 90.4% in 2021. Wisconsin’s primary seat belt law allows law enforcement to stop and cite motorists for failing to wear a seat belt. Penalties are higher for transporting unrestrained children and passengers can also be cited. Failure to fasten a seat belt is among the most common traffic violations in Wisconsin. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, 58% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. The campaign also coincides with Memorial Day weekend, which can be an especially dangerous time on the roads, so officers will be encouraging seat belt use as motorists travel throughout Wisconsin. “The Click It or Ticket campaign aims to keep all travelers safe during this busy season,”Dunn County Sheriff’s Office said. “Safety should be the top priority every time you get in a vehicle. Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same.” For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot. ###

On May 3rd, 2023 shortly after 11:00 PM, Dunn County Sheriffs' Deputies were advised of a vehicle pursuit entering Dunn County. The Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office was in pursuit of a vehicle where an operator fled from law enforcement after being interrupted with a syringe in their arm while passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle. Dunn County Deputies successfully deployed tire deflation devices on the fleeing vehicle just outside of Menomonie on the interstate. After the vehicle's speed slowed down, deputies utilized a moving roadblock maneuver and successfully stopped the vehicle. After the vehicle stopped, the operator accelerated and attempted to escape the roadblock, striking a Dunn County squad truck causing significant damage. A Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver was then conducted and the suspect vehicle became disabled in the median of the Interstate. The driver fled on foot and Deputies pursuit on foot across the traffic lanes and into a wooded area south of the Interstate. The suspect was taken into custody after the brief foot pursuit. The vehicle was stolen out of St. Paul, MN and also was displaying a different set of stolen license plates. Further investigation also revealed that the same vehicle fled from St. Croix County law enforcement earlier in the day and a vehicle pursuit led from Hudson, WI to the area of St. Paul, MN before it was terminated. The suspect was turned over to Eau Claire County Sheriffs' deputies where he was transported to their jail for Felony Charges.

On May 1, 2023 at approximately 8:19 AM, the Dunn County Communication Center received a 911 call from an individual reporting a structure fire at a residence on 50th St., in the Town of Tiffany, Dunn County, Wisconsin. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Glenwood City Fire Department, and Boyceville EMS were dispatched to the scene. While engaging the fire, firefighters located a person in the residence. The person located, a 74 year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Dunn County Medical Examiner. The incident remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office and Glenwood City Fire Department. Also assisting at the scene was the Boyceville Fire Department. Sheriff Kevin Bygd

On April 2, 2023 at approximately 2:24 PM, the Dunn County Communication Center received a call from an individual reporting a structure fire at a residence in the N5700 block of CTY TK E, Town of Red Cedar, Dunn County, Wisconsin. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and Menomonie Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. Heavy smoke and flames were visible. While engaging the fire, firefighters located a person in the residence. The person located, a 74 year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Dunn County Medical Examiner. The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit and Menomonie Fire Department. Also assisting at the scene was the Colfax Fire Department. Sheriff Kevin Bygd

On Saturday, April 1, 2023 the Dunn County Communications Center dispatched Dunn County Sheriffs' deputies to assist with a vehicle pursuit entering Dunn County. The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office and Wisconsin State Patrol were pursuing a vehicle and advised that the vehicle had rammed squad cars in Chippewa County. The suspect's tires had already been deflated and it was still refusing to stop. The pursuit ended near Highway 64 and CTY TK W North in Dunn County when the vehicle entered the ditch and became disabled. The suspect continued to refuse commands of law enforcement. A Dunn County Sheriff's deputy deployed a "Less-Lethal" bean bag round to the upper thigh of the suspect and he then surrendered. The suspect was taken into custody safely and without further incident. The suspect was identified as 40 year-old Mitchell Ludke of Knapp, WI, Dunn County. Chippewa County Sheriff advises that Ludtke now faces three counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, felony bail jumping, operating while intoxicated, knowingly fleeing, misdemeanor bail jumping, operating after revocation, and two counts of felony criminal damage to property.

On March 26, 2023 at approximately 6:57 PM, the Dunn County Communication Center received a call from an individual who advised of a structure fire at a residence with a person still trapped in the residence. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Boyceville Fire Department responded to scene at E971 1330th Ave in the Township of New Haven, Dunn County, Wisconsin. The residence was fully engulfed in fire upon the arrival of fire personnel. Boyceville Fire Department along with Sand Creek Fire, Glenwood City Fire, Clear Lake Fire, Clayton Fire and Prairie Farm Fire worked for several hours to extinguish the fire. On March 27, 2023 the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office along with Boyceville Fire Department, the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office located human remains in the residence while processing the scene. The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation. The Medical Examiner’s Office and Dunn County Sheriff’s Office are working to confirm the identity of the victim Sheriff Kevin Bygd

On March 9, 2023 at approximately 9:57 PM, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and Menomonie Fire Department were dispatched for a vehicle crash on Interstate 94 near mile marker 33 westbound in the Township of Lucas, Dunn County. The Dunn County Communications Center received information from the Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) that a Trooper was investigating a crash at that location and was struck by a passing vehicle. Preliminary investigation showed the WSP Trooper was outside of his patrol car standing alongside a pickup truck on the right shoulder of the freeway investigating an unrelated crash. A westbound sedan approached that scene, struck the Trooper, and also struck the pickup truck he was standing alongside. The road conditions were snow-covered and slippery. The pickup truck was occupied by two adult males who were uninjured. The striking vehicle was occupied by three adult females who were uninjured. Both vehicles received disabling damage and were removed from the scene by tow trucks. The Trooper’s squad car was not struck. Lane 2 near the crash location was closed for approximately 2 hours during the incident. The Trooper was transported by ambulance to an area hospital and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The Sheriff’s Office reminds and urges all drivers to reduce speed when inclement weather and road conditions are present. In addition, drivers should reduce speed and exercise caution when approaching emergency scenes on the highway. State law requires drivers to reduce speed in both of these situations. SS 346.57(3) “The operator of every vehicle shall… drive at an appropriate reduced speed… when special hazard exists with regard to other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.” The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office. ### Sheriff Kevin Bygd /CP

Release from: Dunn County District Attorney's Office Dunn County, Wisconsin March 09, 2023 For Immediate Release OFFICER INVOVLED SHOOTING DEEMED JUSTIFIED AS SELF-DEFENSE AND DEFENSE OF OTHERS Dunn County District Attorney Andrea Nodolf released her decision today that the use of deadly force by Dunn County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Blum, Menomonie Police Department Officer Tyson Kahl, and Menomonie Police Department Lieutenant Michael Sampson were justified acts of self-defense and defense of others on January 21, 2023. Nodolf stated “While the death of Nicholas Ciccarelli is tragic, based on his statements and actions that night, these officers were left with no other choice, likely in part due to the very high level of methamphetamine in his blood”. It is fortunate that no innocent bystanders were harmed or killed in this incident. Under the circumstances of this case, the Dunn County District Attorney’s Office concluded that Deputy Blum’s use of deadly force was wholly and completely justified as a reasonable act of self-defense. Further, Officer Kahl and Lt. Sampson’s use of deadly force was wholly and completely justified as a reasonable act of defense of others. As such, no action will be taken by this Office and this matter is closed. This community owes all of the officers involved that night a debt of thanks for putting their lives on the line to protect the public in this instance. This community is truly grateful for their selfless and dedicated service. In a detailed report, Nodolf described the events of the evening of January 21, 2023 which started with a 911 call from a caller describing someone (later determined to be Nicholas Ciccarelli (02/26/1977)) was at his door demanding he open up and threatening to kill him. Ciccarelli subsequently fired shots from his handgun and stole the caller’s car, a blue PT Cruiser. Based on that 911 call and subsequent events, three law enforcement departments, the Menomonie Police Department, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Wisconsin-Stout Police Department dispatched officers to the scene. Upon arrival, law enforcement located Ciccarelli who was operating the stolen vehicle in an erratic fashion in the immediate neighborhood of the initial scene. The officers quickly secured the scene in order to protect innocent bystanders and attempted to take Ciccarelli safely into custody. Ciccarelli repeatedly refused law enforcement commands and other options to safely bring him into custody. Deputy Blum initially engaged Ciccarelli in his marked squad car with the emergency lights activated. Deputy Blum exited his squad and issued verbal commands of “Get on the ground” to Ciccarelli who had now exited the stolen car. Ciccarelli did not comply. Deputy Blum again repeated “Get on the ground”. Despite the law enforcement commands, Ciccarelli refused and instead advanced directly towards Deputy Blum, and said “Do it then”. At this time, Deputy Blum observed a silver handgun in Ciccarelli’s right hand. In response to these actions, Deputy Blum was left with no other choice but to fire as he feared Ciccarelli was going to kill him. Officer Kahl heard Lt. Sampson yell “gun” and observed Ciccarelli begin to raise his handgun toward Deputy Blum. Lt. Sampson also observed Ciccarelli quickly advance toward Deputy Blum with the handgun. Both Lt. Sampson and Officer Kahl fired on Ciccarelli at approximately the same time after observing the clear, imminent, and direct threat to Deputy Blum. Life saving measures were immediately performed on Ciccarelli but were unfortunately unsuccessful. Ciccarelli’s weapon, a six inch barreled Smith and Wesson .357 magnum revolver with a stainless steel finish and wood-style grips was observed lying on the ground between Ciccarelli and the open door of Deputy Blum’s squad. The revolver was still cocked and ready to fire. Ciccarelli’s second firearm and 17 grams of methamphetamine were located on the passenger seat of the stolen car. Ciccarelli’s postmortem toxicology revealed positive drug screens with a high level of methamphetamine. This incident was investigated by Special Agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistance was provided by the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Menomonie Fire Department. Special thanks to the Menomonie Police Department, Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, University of Wisconsin Stout Police Department, and community members who shared photographs and video camera footage of that night, and the Dunn County Emergency 911 dispatchers for their work during this home invasion incident and shooting. ####

On February 26, 2023 at approximately 5:20 AM, the Dunn County Communication Center received a call from an individual who advised of a structure fire at a duplex residence. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Menomonie Fire Department responded to the incident address of E4576 410th Ave in the Township of Menomonie, Dunn County, Wisconsin. It was reported that there were two occupants in the home. A neighbor and family members attempted to rescue the two occupants, however were unsuccessful. Upon arrival of law enforcement and fire personnel, the single story duplex home was full of smoke with some flames visible. The two occupants of the home were located inside the residence and were beyond help. Both individuals were pronounced deceased on scene by the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation. The names of the deceased individuals will not be released, at this time, pending family notification. Assisting with the incident was the Menomonie Fire Department and the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office. ### Sheriff Kevin Bygd

On October 5, 2022 at approximately 3:41 AM, the Menomonie Police Department (MPD) was dispatched to a report of a theft in progress on Stout Street in the City of Menomonie. MPD officers relayed a description of the suspect vehicle to Dunn County Sheriffs’ deputies and a deputy attempted to stop the vehicle as it was fleeing southbound out of the City of Menomonie on State Highway 25 in the Township of Menomonie. A vehicle pursuit began reaching speeds in excess of 125 MPH. The pursuit was terminated briefly near the Pepin County line when deputies lost sight of the suspect vehicle. The Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) located the suspect vehicle again a short time later on Highway 128 near the Pierce & St. Croix County Line. A WSP Trooper attempted to stop the vehicle but it fled again. The vehicle crashed near the intersection of State Highway 128 near I-94. There were no injuries sustained and the only property damage was that of the suspect’s vehicle and a traffic sign. Two subjects were apprehended at that time by WSP and St. Croix County Sheriffs’ Deputies. The suspects arrested in this case were identified as; - Chue Neng Xiong, 49 year-old male from Saint Paul, MN - Neng Yang, 45 year-old male from Owatonna, MN Criminal charges are expected for both subjects including Theft of Major Vehicle Parts, Possession of Burglarious Tools, Receiving Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine, Flee/Elude Officer, and several traffic charges. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office at (715)-232-1348 or 1-800-459-2939. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at 1-855-TIP-DUNN. Assisting with the incident was the Menomonie Police Department, Pepin County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Croix County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

On September 29, 2022 at approximately 1:23 AM, the Menomonie Police Department was dispatched to a burglary alarm at a business in the Red Cedar Plaza, 2321 North Broadway, Menomonie, WI, near I-94 Exit 41. While officers investigated a burglary at that location, sheriffs’ deputies began checking the area for possible suspect vehicle(s). At 2:20 AM, Dunn County Sheriffs’ Deputies received information regarding a business burglary that had occurred in the City of Eau Claire also in the vicinity of I-94. Deputies received a suspect vehicle description from the Eau Claire Communications Center and within minutes located a matching vehicle westbound on I-94 near mile post 55 in the Township of Elk Mound, Dunn County. At approximately 2:26 AM, deputies attempted to stop the vehicle but a vehicle pursuit began reaching speeds in excess of 100 MPH. Additional deputies successfully deployed tire-deflation devices near mile post 43 on I-94. The vehicle’s speed immediately was reduced and it entered the ditch near exit 41 where three suspects fled on foot from the vehicle. K9 teams from the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and Eau Claire Police Department responded to the stop location. At approximately 3:41, the vehicle operator and one passenger were arrested by officers in a heavily wooded area north of I-94 and west of Highway 25. The suspects arrested in this case were identified as; - Miltiano T. Johnson, 42 year-old male from St. Louis, MO - Anthony Michael Jordan, 32 year-old male from Florissant, MO The third suspect has not yet been apprehended by law enforcement and is described as a male/black, 5’10-6’0 tall, 190 lbs, last seen wearing a black sweatshirt with a white emblem or lettering on the back. Criminal charges are expected for all three subjects and the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office at (715)-232-1348 or 1-800-459-2939. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at 1-855-TIP-DUNN. Assisting with the incident was the Menomonie Police Department, Eau Claire Police Department, Maple Grove Police Department (MN), UW Stout Police Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.