The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently investigating an officer involved critical incident that occurred on the evening of January 1, 2024, in the City of Monona, Wis.
According to reports, the incident began when officers from the Monona Police Department initiated a traffic stop for a suspicious vehicle at Nichols and Monona Drive. However, the vehicle fled from the officers. In an attempt to stop the vehicle, a Dane County deputy deployed a tire deflation device. Unfortunately, the vehicle crashed near the intersection of Femrite Drive and Buckeye Road in the Town of Cottage Grove.
Tragically, all three occupants of the fleeing vehicle lost their lives in the crash. The law enforcement officers involved in the incident, however, were not injured.
To aid in the investigation, both the Monona Police Department and the Dane County Sheriff's Office have equipped their squad cars with dashboard cameras. This will provide valuable evidence for the ongoing investigation.
In accordance with agency policy, the officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative duty.
The DCI, along with assistance from the Wisconsin State Patrol, a DCI Crime Response Specialist, and members of DCI's Digital Evidence Unit, is leading the investigation. All involved law enforcement agencies are fully cooperating with the DCI during this process.
As of now, the investigation is still ongoing, and no further information is available. The DCI is diligently reviewing all the evidence and working to establish the facts of the incident. Once the investigation concludes, the investigative reports will be turned over to the Dane County District Attorney.
For media inquiries, please contact the Wisconsin DOJ.
The information provided in this article is based on a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.
Click this link to access more information: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/city-monona-wis-officer-involved-critical-incident