GREEN BAY, Wis. — A Green Bay police officer has been cleared from an incident that occurred on Feb. 23, 2024, the Green Bay Police Department (GBPD) confirmed Thursday. 

The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation released a report of its findings of the incident.

On Feb. 23, at 12:51 p.m., a dispatch center received a call that a man, later identified as Steve Ventura, had “brandished a firearm in the area of Open Gate Trail and Green Ridge Drive” in Green Bay.

GBPD police officer Dan Skenandore responded to the call. He approached a car that Ventura, 40, was driving. Ventura’s car stopped and Skenandore pulled up behind him.

Ventura then got out of his car, drew a handgun and pointed it “in the direction of Skenandore.” The two exchanged gunfire.

Skenandore drove down the street “to create distance.”

Once parked, Skenandore “engaged Ventura with his squad rifle firing several rounds.”

Other law enforcement units came to the scene to assist in the incident.

Law enforcement officers approached Ventura on Green Ridge Drive. He had a single gunshot wound to the head. Life-saving measures were used on Ventura at the scene and he was transported to St. Vincent Hospital. Ventura died from his injury at the hospital.

The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation’s report concluded the gunshot wound Venture suffered was self-inflicted.

The Brown County District Attorney cleared Skenandore of any criminal charges.

“I have chosen this profession to help people during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I do this knowing that there can be dangerous situations. This traumatic event has greatly impacted my family and me. I appreciate the continued support I have been receiving from our community,” said Skenandore.