The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently investigating an officer involved critical incident (OICI) that took place in the Town of Crescent, Wis. on the evening of Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The incident began when the Oneida County Sheriff's Office received two hang-up 911 calls, prompting a welfare check at a residence on River Street. Three Oneida County Sheriff's deputies and two Rhinelander police officers responded to the call. The law enforcement personnel involved were identified as:
- Sergeant Thomas Williams, with over 9 years of law enforcement experience
- Deputy Michael Bedish, with over 3.5 years of law enforcement experience
- Deputy Cole Lehman, with over 1 year of law enforcement experience
- Sergeant Christie Kondzela, with over 10 years of law enforcement experience
- Officer Graeme Biskobing, with over 1 year of experience
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement discovered that there were two individuals inside the residence. As they entered the house, they were met with gunfire from Steven Kincaid, 33 years old. In response, one of the deputies returned fire. Law enforcement immediately retreated from the residence and created a perimeter. However, Kincaid continued to shoot at the officers from the second level of the house, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
In order to handle the situation, tactical team members from the Vilas, Oneida, Marathon, Langlade, and Lincoln County Sheriff's Offices were called to the scene. Verbal commands and non-lethal tactics were attempted in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully. Eventually, the second individual inside the residence came out and received evaluation from emergency medical services at the scene.
Following this, the tactical team entered the house and located Kincaid, who was found deceased. Thankfully, no law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident. It is worth noting that the officers from the Rhinelander Police Department were wearing body cameras, and both the Rhinelander Police Department and Oneida County Sheriff's Office have squad cameras.
The investigation into this incident is being led by the DCI, with assistance from DCI Crime Response Specialists and members of DCI's Digital Evidence Unit. All involved law enforcement agencies are fully cooperating with the DCI throughout the investigation.
DCI is currently reviewing evidence and working to establish the facts surrounding this incident. Once the investigation concludes, investigative reports will be turned over to the Oneida County District Attorney. Media inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to the Wisconsin DOJ.