PEMBINE, WI (WTAQ) – Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Justice are investigating an incident Wednesday night in Marinette County after sheriff’s deputies shot and killed a man they say had a gun.
Law enforcement agencies were notified Wednesday by Madison Police Department public information officer Joel DeSpain about a 38-year-old Fitchburg man who was suicidal and may be a danger to law enforcement.
Authorities say the man bought a gun in the Dane County area and was heading north, where he had relatives.
Marinette County sheriff’s deputies later located a vehicle that matched the description given. They followed the vehicle for several miles, alerting him by phone and trying to negotiate. The vehicle eventually stopped and the man exited with a firearm, according to sheriff’s officials.
Deputies say they repeated ordered the man to drop the firearm but when he continued to move toward them, they shot and killed him.
During a press conference Thursday, Marinette County officials identified the man as Michael D. Rasmussen. Three deputies opened fire on Rasmussen, and all are now on administrative leave.
No deputies were hurt in the confrontation. This is believed to be an isolated incident.
