An exchange of gunfire during a traffic stop in Wisconsin resulted in the deaths of two police officers on Saturday, according to authorities.
The deadly incident took place at around 3:38 p.m. in the village of Cameron, which is located in the western part of the state in Barron County, the Wisconsin Department of Justice said in a statement.
The statement said “gunfire was exchanged” during the traffic stop, after which one Chetek police officer and one Cameron police officer were pronounced deceased at the scene. The suspect was taken to the hospital and later died, the statement added.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice said there is no threat to the community, and a probe is being led by its Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
“DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by Barron County Sheriff’s Office, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin State Crime Lab and a DCI Crime Response Specialist. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation,” the statement said. “DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Barron County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.”
Identities of the deceased were not immediately released to the public.
The Barron County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook account changed its profile picture on Sunday to show a thin blue line, which has become a sign of solidarity among and for law enforcement.
State officials released statements in response to the killings.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP
“Our hearts are heavy for the Chetek and Cameron police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty yesterday,” Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, tweeted on Sunday. “Kathy and I are praying for the officers’ families, colleagues, and the Barron County community mourning this tragic loss.”
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss today of two officers,” tweeted Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “I am thinking of their families and the Chetek and Cameron Police Departments at this incredibly difficult time.”
At least one other police officer in Wisconsin has died in the line of duty this year.
Milwaukee cop Peter Jerving, 37, was fatally shot during an attempted arrest of a robbery suspect in February. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Terrell Thompson, also died in an exchange of gunfire.
