Monroe County Police Officer Dies After Being Shot While Attempting to Arrest Suspect

Tomah, Wisconsin

On Monday, August 22nd, 2023, a Monroe County police officer was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect.

The officer, whose name has not been released, was responding to a call about a suspicious person at a residence in the town of Tomah, Wisconsin.

When the officer arrived, he encountered 23-year-old Wyatt Arnold, sitting on the porch of the residence.

Arnold failed to comply with the officer’s commands and a struggle ensued.

During the struggle, Arnold gained access to the officer's weapon.

Arnold then shot the officer multiple times before fleeing the scene in the officer’s patrol car.

Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene and pursued Arnold, initiating a manhunt.

About 30 minutes after the incident, officers located Arnold and the stolen patrol car at a nearby gas station.

Arnold was taken into custody without further incident.

According to Police Chief William Haverson, the officer was unarmed when he was shot.

The officer sustained several gunshot wounds.

He was airlifted to a local hospital for a surgery, but later succumbed to his injuries.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation into the shooting.

Arnold has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide.

He is being held without bond in the Monroe County Jail.

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community of Tomah, which has a population of around 9,000.

A vigil was held on Tuesday night to remember the fallen officer.

Flags are flying at half-staff in Monroe County in honor of the officer.

The shooting of a police officer is a tragic event that should not happen.

Our thoughts are with the officer's family, friends, and fellow officers during this difficult time.