St.
Croix Deputy Fatally Shot While Responding to Drunken Driver Incident
A tragic incident unfolded in St.
Croix County, Wisconsin on Saturday night, resulting in the death of a St.
Croix County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Deputy Katie Lessing, aged 29, was shot and killed while investigating a report of a potential drunken driver in a ditch.
The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m.
in the township of Glenwood, situated approximately 30 minutes away from the Minnesota border.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), Deputy Lessing was in the process of conducting a field sobriety test on the driver, identified as 34-year-old Jeremiah Johnson.
In a sudden and shocking turn of events, Johnson drew a handgun and fired at Deputy Lessing, fatally wounding her.
The tight-knit community of Glenwood City now finds itself in mourning as they grapple with the loss of Deputy Lessing.
Compounding the tragedy, Glenwood City’s mayor is a State Patrol sergeant who was among the first responders to the scene.
Reflecting on the incident, the mayor stated, “I was working in my garage, and my lieutenant advised me of the situation, and I said, ‘Say no more.’ I got dressed and got my gear, and I live less than a mile from where this went down.
And I just responded as best as I could.”
Following the shooting, law enforcement officers launched a search in the surrounding woods for Johnson.
However, as they approached him, they heard a gunshot and witnessed Johnson collapsing to the ground.
Investigators discovered a handgun in close proximity to him.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is leading the investigation into this tragic event.
The loss of Deputy Katie Lessing has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers while carrying out their duties.
As the community mourns the loss of one of their own, the focus now shifts to providing support for Deputy Lessing’s family and loved ones during this devastating time.
