The Brief
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A tactical situation in Fredonia has ended with the suspect being taken into custody.
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The sheriff’s office said a man with weapons, including an automatic rifle, barricaded himself inside a home.
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The suspect had threatened to “go full auto” and kill anyone who approached, according to the sheriff’s office.
FREDONIA, Wis. – A tactical situation, which started late Thursday night in a Fredonia neighborhood, came to an end on Saturday, May 10, with the suspect being taken into custody at about 11:30 a.m.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office says there is no longer a threat to the public, but the scene is still under active investigation with local road closures. Only residents are allowed back into the area.
The sheriff’s office says more information is forthcoming.
Original reporting
What we know
The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office said a man with weapons barricaded himself inside a home and is “extremely dangerous.”
Timeline of events
What we know
Neighbors hear gunshots
According to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, May 8, at about 8:30 p.m., the sheriff’s office got a report from a Fredonia resident on Fox Glen Road who heard multiple gunshots throughout the day.
Additional calls were received from other residents with similar concerns.
Deputies monitored the area and no gunshots were heard.
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Contact made with suspect
At about 10:30 p.m., the homeowner was reached by phone and acknowledged playing loud music and firing weapons from the residence. The suspect stated he was going to continue playing music and if anyone came to his residence, he would shoot them.
Shortly after the phone conversation, deputies on scene heard multiple gunshots coming from the residence.
The sheriff’s office says the suspect was firing several firearms in unknown directions, including an automatic rifle, posing a significant threat to the safety of the community and law enforcement.
Shelter-in-place order
Nearby residents were advised to shelter in place, specifically in the basements of their homes.
A law enforcement perimeter was set and the Ozaukee County Special Response Team (SRT) was activated and deployed to the scene.
Damage to the front of the house during Fredonia tactical standoff
Over the course of several hours, negotiators tried to engage the suspect and de-escalate the situation. Despite these efforts, the suspect remained uncooperative and made explicit threats towards law enforcement, stating “he’d go full auto” and kill anyone who approached.
The suspect also provided information indicating he was heavily armed and prepared to use force against officers.
On multiple occasions, the suspect was seen aiming a rifle in the direction of law enforcement armored vehicles stationed on the scene. Due to the extended length of the tactical incident, Ozaukee County SRT was temporarily relieved at noon on Friday, May 9, by Washington County SWAT and Milwaukee County SWAT.
Negotiations continued throughout the afternoon and into the evening until Ozaukee County SRT took back tactical command of the incident at 7 p.m.
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Ongoing de-escalation efforts
What’s next
As of 6:20 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, the suspect continues to threaten to kill officers if they enter his home.
The sheriff’s office says safety remains the top priority and officers will continue to be patient until the situation is safely ended.
Residents are encouraged to stay away from this area or remain in their homes.
Reaction
What they’re saying
Village of Fredonia President Peter Lenz issued the following statement:
“As you are no doubt aware, the difficult events of the past two days have come to a resolution—thankfully, without loss of life or injury to law enforcement or members of our community.”
“On behalf of the Village of Fredonia, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders—both law enforcement and emergency medical personnel—who worked tirelessly to bring this situation to a peaceful conclusion. Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion for both the affected individual and the surrounding neighborhood are deeply appreciated.”
“We also extend heartfelt thanks to the residents of the Fox Glen neighborhood. Your patience and cooperation allowed law enforcement to carry out their duties safely and effectively, even in the face of understandable frustration and inconvenience.”
“Finally, thank you to all members of our community who offered support—whether to neighbors or to the first responders—during this challenging time. Your willingness to step up and stand together exemplifies the spirit that makes Fredonia such a special place to live. It is in these moments that we are reminded of the strength and kindness that define our village.”
Court records
Dig deeper
Court records show a restraining order was filed against the owner of the home in November and dismissed nearly two weeks later. It explained the man had access to assault rifles.
FOX6 News has not confirmed whether that’s the same person involved in the tactical situation.
The Source
FOX6 has been on scene since Friday morning covering the standoff, and FOX6 has also talked to neighbors nearby. The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office sent FOX6 a press release late Friday night, with more information provided Saturday morning.