Fredonia standoff: Tactical situation underway for 24+ hours
Fredonia standoff underway for 24+ hours
A tactical situation in Fredonia has been underway for more than 24 hours. The sheriff's office said a man with weapons barricaded himself inside a home.
FREDONIA, Wis. - A tactical situation in Fredonia has been underway for more than 24 hours. The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office said a man with weapons barricaded himself inside a home and is "extremely dangerous."
The sheriff's office said officers are using every available resource and tactical approach to "bring the situation to a peaceful and safe resolution." Here's what they've shared about the investigation thus far.
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Tactical response
Timeline:
According to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, it all started around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night with reports of multiple gunshots on Fox Glen Road. Deputies monitored the area but didn't hear any gunshots.
Home damaged during tactical response to Fredonia standoff on Friday, May 9
Around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, they were able to reach the suspect over the phone – who acknowledged he was playing loud music and firing weapons. The suspect then said he was going to keep playing music and would shoot anyone who came to his home.
Shortly after that 10:30 p.m. call, deputies heard multiple gunshots coming from the home. Further investigation determined the suspect was firing several guns – including an automatic rifle – in unknown directions, posing a "significant threat" to the community and deputies.
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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 suspect's weapons. Law enforcement set up a perimeter, and the Ozaukee County Special Response Team was called in.
"They were trying to tell the guy that he’s under arrest, and I believe what I thought I heard was them giving him his Miranda rights," said resident Susan Miller. "Never ever in my entire life have I ever been in a situation like this before."
Negotiators tried to engage the suspect and deescalate the situation for several hours, but the sheriff's office said the suspect 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.
Tactical response to Fredonia standoff on Friday, May 9
The sheriff's office said the suspect was seen aiming a file toward law enforcement vehicles on multiple occasions.
The Milwaukee County SWAT and Washington County SWAT were called in at around noon on Friday to temporarily relieve the Ozaukee County tactical team. Negotiations with the suspect continued throughout the day, and Ozaukee County SRT took back tactical command around 9 p.m.
Windows and doors have been blown off of the home since the tactical situation began late Thursday night.
Court records
Dig deeper:
Court records show a restraining order was filed against the owner of the home in November and dismissed nearly two weeks later. It explained the man had access to assault rifles.
FOX6 News has not confirmed whether that's the same person involved in the tactical situation.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office. Some neighbors spoke to FOX6 via telephone and sent FOX6 pictures.