The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation is leading an investigation into an officer-involved death in the Town of Lafayette, Chippewa County. The incident took place on the evening of December 21, 2024.
At around 11:31 pm, deputies from the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic abuse call. The suspect, Matthew H. Luke, aged 49, left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Deputies later found his vehicle and attempted to stop it as part of their investigation. Luke evaded officers and crashed near County Highway K and 50th Avenue.
After crashing, Luke fired at law enforcement officers, hitting at least one squad car. The Eau Claire Regional SWAT Team was summoned for assistance. Upon arrival, Luke continued firing and struck an armored vehicle. In response, Detective Zacharia A. Becker from the Eau Claire Police Department and Trooper Joseph B. Desprez from the Wisconsin State Patrol discharged their weapons.
Emergency medical services were called to the scene and life-saving measures were attempted but Luke was pronounced dead on site.
Detective Becker has been placed on administrative duty while Trooper Desprez is on administrative leave according to agency policies.
The DCI is handling this investigation with support from a DCI Crime Response Specialist, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office. All involved law enforcement personnel are cooperating fully with investigators.
Upon completion of their review of evidence and facts surrounding this incident, DCI will submit investigative reports to the Chippewa County District Attorney’s office for further action.
For media inquiries regarding this case, contact should be made with the Wisconsin DOJ.