Sheriff’s office explains role in weekend power outage

The Oneida County sheriff’s office is explaining why electrical power was turned off for a period of time last Saturday evening while officers responded to a “critical incident” in the Town of Crescent that ultimately resulted in the death of one of the subjects.

“Turning off power to areas in a tactical situation is used when having the power remain on would present a greater danger to the residence, responding LE (law enforcement), and the community,” department officials explained in a Facebook post. “It is a decision closely monitored, especially in adverse weather conditions. We do not control who is impacted. We request power be cut off to the residence and WPS (Wisconsin Public Service) assists, just like in the event of a fire or other disasters impacting homes. 

“We do not shut off power to a single home in an incident such as this as it would put WPS workers in imminent danger,” the post continued. “Our role is to make decisions to protect every life to the best of our ability. We appreciate the support and understanding of our community.”

In a press release issued Sunday morning, the state Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) reported that the sheriff’s office received two hang-up 911 calls at approximately 8:39 p.m. Saturday that required a welfare check at a residence located in the 1600 block of River Street in Town of Crescent. 

“Three Oneida County deputies and two Rhinelander police officers responded to the residence,” the release said. “Upon arrival at the residence, law enforcement determined there were two subjects inside. Law enforcement entered the residence where they were met with gunfire. One of the deputies returned fire. All law enforcement retreated outside the residence, backed away, and created a perimeter. The subject 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, 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 the other subject who was deceased. No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.”

Per department policy, the involved officers from the Rhinelander Police Department and deputies from Oneida County Sheriff’s Office have been placed on administrative duty, the release states.

“DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by DCI Crime Response Specialists, and members of DCI’s Digital Evidence Unit,” the release states. “All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation. DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Oneida County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.”