Names of officers involved in Crescent ‘critical incident’ released

The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has released the names of the officers involved in a critical incident in the Town of Crescent Jan. 20 that resulted in a fatality.

In an update issued Wednesday evening, DCI reported that the investigation into the incident is ongoing with final reports to be turned over to the Oneida County district attorney when the inquiry is concluded.

According to DCI, the officers involved were Sgt. Thomas Williams and Deputies Michael Bedish and Cole Lehman of the sheriff’s office, Rhinelander police Sgt. Christie Kondzela and Rhinelander police officer Graeme Biskobing. 

The individual killed in the incident was identified as Steven Kincaid, 33.

According to the DOJ, the Oneida County sheriff’s office received two hang-up 911 calls at approximately 8:39 p.m. Jan. 20 requiring a welfare check at a residence located in the 1600 block of River Street in Crescent.

Three sheriff’s deputies and two police officers responded. 

According to DCI, Williams has over 9 years law enforcement experience, Bedish has over 3.5 years in law enforcement and Lehman has over one year. Kondzela has over 10 years of law enforcement experience and Biskobing has over one year, according to the release.

“Upon arrival at the residence, law enforcement determined there were two subjects inside,” according to DCI. “Law enforcement entered the residence where they were met with gunfire by Steven Kincaid, age 33. One of the deputies returned fire. All law enforcement retreated outside the residence, backed away, and created a perimeter. Kincaid continued to shoot at the officers from the second level of the house and gunfire was exchanged. Tactical team members from the Vilas, Oneida, Marathon, Langlade, and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Offices responded to the residence. Verbal commands were attempted without response and non-lethal tactics were deployed. Eventually the second subject came out of the residence and was evaluated by emergency medical services on scene. The tactical team entered the house and located Kincaid who was deceased. No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.”

The release notes that the involved officers from the Rhinelander Police Department were wearing body cameras during the incident and both the police department and the sheriff’s office have squad cameras. 

A full story will be published in an upcoming edition of the River News.