The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation has revealed more details regarding an officer-involved death that occurred March 10 in the Town of Green Valley.
At about 1:41 a.m., Shawano County sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence located in the 2300 block of state Highway 22. Upon entry, deputies located Jonathan L. Lupe, 38, locked inside a bathroom, according to a DOJ press release.
Lupe refused to exit the bathroom and said he had a gun. According to the DOJ, less lethal force was deployed initially but was ineffective.
Lupe advanced toward law enforcement officers with what they believed to be a firearm. During the DCI scene examination afterward, a black or brown 177 caliber Crosman Pellet Gun, model 357, was collected.
Deputy Cole Vande Hei, with 4 1/2 years of law enforcement service, discharged his firearm, striking Lupe. The incident was captured via the on-scene deputies’ body worn cameras. Vande Hei was placed on administrative leave.
EMS was contacted and life saving measures were attempted. Lupe was transported to a hospital but later died. No one else was injured during this incident.
DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over the investigative reports to the Shawano-Menominee County District Attorney’s Office when the investigation concludes.
