Fredonia standoff, tactical situation; man charged, bond set at $1M
Man charged in Fredonia standoff, tactical situation
A Fredonia man is now charged with multiple felonies related to a days-long standoff and tactical situation that ended on May 10.
MILWAUKEE - A Fredonia man is now charged with multiple felonies related to a days-long standoff and tactical situation that ended on May 10.
In Court:
Court records show 37-year-old Matthew Novak's bond was set at $1 million on Tuesday, when he made his initial court appearance. He is due back in court on June 10, at which time a doctor's report is scheduled to be returned.
Matthew Novak booked into Ozaukee County Jail after Fredonia standoff, tactical situation
Fredonia standoff, tactical situation
The backstory:
A tactical situation started on the night of Thursday, May 8. It lasted nearly 38 hours and ended with the suspect – since identified as Novak – in custody on Saturday morning, May 10.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office said a man with weapons had barricaded himself inside a home and was "extremely dangerous." After Novak was taken into custody, the sheriff's office said there was no longer a threat to the public.
Fredonia standoff
According to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, it all started with reports of multiple gunshots on Fox Glen Road. Deputies monitored the area but didn't hear any gunshots.
Law enforcement was able to reach the man over the phone – who acknowledged he was playing loud music and firing weapons. The man then said he was going to keep playing music and would shoot anyone who came to his home.
Shortly after that call, deputies heard multiple gunshots coming from the home. Further investigation determined the man was firing several guns – including an automatic rifle – in unknown directions, posing a "significant threat" to the community and deputies.
Matthew Novak
The sheriff's office advised neighbors to shelter in place, specifically in the basements of their homes, due to the high-powered nature of the man's weapons.
Negotiators tried to engage the man and deescalate the situation for several hours, but the sheriff's office said the man remained uncooperative and threatened to "go full auto" and kill anyone who approached. He provided further information that he was heavily armed and would use force against officers.
The sheriff's office said the man was seen aiming a rifle toward law enforcement vehicles on multiple occasions. He was eventually taken into custody after the use of "non-lethal tactical resources."
Doorbell camera video shows Fredonia standoff suspect surrender after nearly 38 hours
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
The standoff resulted in substantial damage to the home. The sheriff's office said a private construction company was contracted to stabilize and reinforce the structure so investigators could search inside, where they found multiple guns, among other items of significance.
After he was taken into custody, Novak was taken to a behavioral health facility. He was later booked into the Ozaukee County Jail.
What they're saying:
"The discharge of weapons and the standoff that ensued with law enforcement had an extreme impact on members of the community," distract attorney Ben Lindsay said. "He indicated he [...] took a strategic position in his home in order to fire on anyone if they were to come inside."
Matthew Novak
With the bottom level of the home boarded up and surrounded by debris, Fredonia village administrator Christophe Jenkins said the village isn’t exploring razing it yet. He also said Novak’s family has stepped in.
What's next:
A doctor is required to conduct a competency exam, which should be filed with the court by June 10.
The Source: Information in this report is from the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin Circuit Court and prior FOX6 News coverage.