HOBART, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Investigators are still looking into the circumstances surrounding a traffic stop where a Hobart-Lawrence police officer accidently shot himself.
The officer, a 7-year veteran on the force, remains hospitalized after Wednesday’s incident.
As the 36-year-old officer who accidently shot himself recovers, a 30-year-old Hobart man remains in protective custody after initially refusing to get out of his car when pulled over.
In a update with the department Thursday, officials said the officer was stable and in good condition.
“The incident and the circumstances surrounding the injury to our officer are currently under investigation,” wrote Hobart-Lawrence Police Captain Michael A. Renkas. “We have considerable resources and evidence to analyze and review, and that process is underway and ongoing. I would like to thank the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Brown County Communications Center, Green Bay Police Department, Oneida Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, County Rescue and the Brown County Highway Department for the assistance they provided during and following the incident. We also appreciate the patience of the motorists who were delayed and detoured because of this event.”
The incident stemmed from a call for a welfare check around 8 a.m. Wednesday for a man acting erratically. Officers could not initially find the man.
“During that investigation, the officer observed individual driving on Highway 29,” said Renkas. “Officers attempted a traffic stop; however, the driver did not respond to the officers.”
Around 1 p.m., a small pursuit ensued near Highway VV and Highway 29, heading east.
It ended when the man pulled over near Highway FF/Hilcrest Drive.
That’s when the officer accidentally shot himself in the hip, officials say.
“It’s important to stress that the officer was not in contact or near the subject at the time of the discharge,” said Renkas. “We carry Sig Sauers.”
Several wounded officers in Wisconsin and across the U.S. are suing Sig Sauer, a firearms company.
The lawsuit says there have been over 100 incidents of the P320 pistol going off unintentionally, when the handler believed they did not pull the trigger.
The incidents covered in the lawsuit range from February 2020 to October of this year.
“It is under review to determine the cause of the discharge. At this point in time, outlining if it would be a firearm deficiency or an officer deficiency without getting into the review, I think would be a little premature.”
Renkas adds if the suspect is charged, the charges wouldn’t come from the accidental shooting.
The officer is expected to make a full recovery.
“We were very relieved with the news that we received this morning, and we look forward to a big welcome back,” said Aaron Kramer, Hobart Village Administrator.
Investigators have not said what led to the accidental fired shot but did say the officer was not near the suspect at the time the gun was fired.
Crisis negotiators were able to get the suspect out of his vehicle and in custody.
At this time, police say they’re not releasing the officer or the suspect’s name — as the investigation is ongoing.
