Deputy Injured During Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in the Town of Elba

At approximately 6:56 p.m. on June 14, 2026, deputies from the Dodge County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Columbus Police Department responded to a report of an intoxicated male causing a disturbance and exhibiting threatening behavior toward members of the public at River Run Dog Park, located in the Town of Elba, north of the City of Columbus in Dodge County, Wisconsin.

Law enforcement personnel located the suspect and attempted to make contact with him. During the course of that contact, the suspect fired at responding officers and deputies, striking one Dodge County Sheriff's deputy.

The injured deputy sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to UW Hospital in Madison.

After firing at responding officers and deputies and striking the deputy, the suspect retreated into his vehicle. Responding law enforcement personnel immediately sought cover, secured the area, and coordinated a tactical rescue of the injured deputy so medical care could be provided. Officers and deputies then established a secure perimeter and coordinated a tactical response to safely resolve the incident.

Following the shooting, the Dodge County Sheriff's Office requested additional assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office to ensure the safety of the public and responding personnel while efforts were made to take the suspect into custody.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team responded under mutual aid and assumed the lead role in the tactical operation to avoid any potential conflict of interest during the attempted apprehension of the suspect. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office remained involved in a support role during the operation.

Law enforcement personnel subsequently located the suspect deceased inside his vehicle. Preliminary information indicates the suspect died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At no time during this incident did any law enforcement officer discharge a firearm.

The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Based on information obtained during the investigation, law enforcement does not believe any additional suspects were involved in this incident.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office has requested that the Columbia County Sheriff's Office facilitate an officer-involved incident investigation into the circumstances surrounding the initial shooting incident. Through a multi-jurisdictional officer-involved incident investigation team, investigators from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Waupaca County Sheriff's Office, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, and Juneau County Sheriff's Office will be conducting the investigation.

Investigators have advised that a handgun was recovered near the suspect.

Thankfully, after receiving medical treatment, the deputy was released from the hospital early this morning and walked out under his own power, accompanied by family members, the Sheriff, a Patrol Lieutenant, and several fellow deputies.

Assisting agencies included the Columbus Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Columbia County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team, Dodge County Emergency Response Team, LifeStar EMS, Beaver Dam Fire Department, Beaver Dam Paramedics, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office extends its appreciation to all assisting agencies for their professionalism and cooperation during this incident. Our thoughts remain with the injured deputy, his family, and all those affected by this incident, both directly and indirectly.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as the investigation allows.

Questions may be directed to Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt.