WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin sheriff’s deputy responding to a call about a suspected drunken driver was shot and killed Saturday, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
According to the DOJ, at approximately 6:15 p.m. Saturday, the deputy, identified by law enforcement officials as 29-year-old Kaitie Leising, was dispatched to Glenwood, Wis., for a report of a potential drunken driver in a ditch.
Shortly after Leising arrived at the scene, she encountered the driver of the vehicle, identified as Jeremiah D. Johnson, 34, in a ditch, along with another vehicle of individuals that stopped to assist Johnson.
Officials said Leising requested Johnson to take field sobriety tests before returning to his vehicle. He reportedly attempted to avoid taking the tests and after several minutes, the DOJ said he turned toward Leising, drew a handgun and shot her. After being struck, Leising discharged her weapon, but none of the rounds hit Johnson before he fled to the nearby wooded area.
According to the DOJ, the occupants of the assisting vehicle immediately began lifesaving measures on Leising before she was taken to an area hospital where she later died.
Law enforcement later found Jordan in the wooded area after hearing a gunshot and witnessed him collapsing to the ground. A handgun was recovered at the scene where Johnson was located, deceased.
Glenwood is about 60 miles east of Minneapolis.
On Sunday, Leising's body was escorted from the medical examiner's office in Ramsey County, Minn., to a funeral home in Baldwin, Wis. Future funeral arrangements are pending.
Police departments and state leaders are sharing their respect for the fallen officer, who is the fourth Wisconsin officer killed in the line of duty this year.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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