DOJ identifies sheriff’s deputy, driver involved in fatal Newbold incident

The Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has identified the Oneida County sheriff’s deputy and driver involved in a traffic incident in Newbold earlier this month that resulted in the driver’s death.

The deceased driver is Matthew Johnson, 28, the DOJ announced late last week.

The officer involved in the incident, identified as sheriff’s deputy Michael Bedish, has 4.5 years of law enforcement experience, according to the release. 

Per agency policy, Bedish has been placed on administrative leave while an independent investigation is conducted.

 Authorities did not immediately respond to a request for further identifying information about Johnson, including municipality of residence.

According to the DOJ, Johnson was killed after he failed to comply with Bedish’s attempted traffic stop.

“At approximately 9:15 p.m. (on Jan. 17) an Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Bedish, 4.5 years law enforcement service, attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Highway 47 at Northwestern Avenue,” according to the release issued late Friday afternoon. “Matthew Johnson, 28, failed to stop, prompting a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when Johnson crossed into the opposite lane of traffic, crashing his vehicle and striking another vehicle near the intersection of State Highway 47 and Bridge Road in the Township of Newbold. The victim vehicle contained six passengers, all of whom sustained injuries. EMS was contacted and law enforcement attempted life-saving measures on Johnson; however, Johnson was pronounced deceased on scene. All injured victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.”

DCI is leading the investigation with the assistance of a Crime Response Specialist and the Wisconsin State Patrol. 

“DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over the investigative reports to the Oneida County District Attorney’s office when the investigation concludes,” the release states.

Bedish’s squad camera was activated during the incident, according to the release.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected]