OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The woman accused of shooting an Oconto Falls police officer has been committed to a mental health facility for six months.
Alisha Kocken is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and other counts for the Aug. 6 confrontation with Officer Nicole Blaskowski.
In addition to the criminal case, there is a mental commitment proceeding, which was the subject of Friday’s hearing. The case was initiated shortly after her arrest when jail staff determined Kocken, who was being combative and sometimes incoherent, should be taken to the Winnebago Mental Health Institution for immediate treatment.
After a two-week stay at WMHI, the case was reviewed Friday. Kocken, who declined to participate in a hearing last week, appeared in person for this session.
WMHI staff recommended the commitment, noting she is a danger to herself and others.
Kocken and her attorney agreed to the six-month commitment, which includes an order to take all medication as prescribed by the WMHI staff. No date for a review hearing was set, however.
Meanwhile, no hearings have been held for the criminal case itself.
In the criminal file, Kocken’s attorney also raised concerns about Kocken’s competency, that is, her ability to comprehend the court proceedings and assist in her own defense. Typically, a psychiatric competency review would be ordered, but the issue has not been addressed yet in court.
Kocken was charged after an incident where police were called to an Oconto Falls home. There was a physical confrontation between Kocken and Officer Blaskowski. At one point, Kocken allegedly grabbed Blaskowski’s gun and shot the officer in the head. She has since been released from the hospital.
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