MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin Department of Justice confirmed Tuesday that a man shot and killed by Neenah police officers was armed.
In a statement issued to the media:
“The Department of Justice is committed to providing an independent, transparent investigation into officer-involved incidents. It is critical to the integrity of all investigations that we take great caution to avoid releasing information piecemeal. We understand the community wants accurate information and we are committed to conducting an investigation that provides that.”
No other information by the DOJ was released.
This comes as Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert said that he was informed that as of Sunday morning, three officers involved in Saturday’s shooting at Eagle Nation Cycles were put on paid administrative leave.
Kaufert says the move is customary when officers are involved in a shooting. He also says that is standard protocol until the investigation ends.
60-year-old Michael Funk ran out of the downtown business Saturday. Police have said that Funk ignored officers’ commands to drop his firearm, and was shot at by the officers.
Funk’s attorney, Cole White, says he believes officers made a mistake in shooting and killing Funk, as he was a victim and a hostage in the incident.
The suspect in the incident, 45-year-old Brian Flatoff, was arrested following hours of negotiations. Police say Flatoff took several people hostage inside the building.
Charges are expected to be filed later this week against Flatoff, who’s currently in the Winnebago County Jail.
