Russell W. Mitchell : “Officers Cleared in Fatal Shooting”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Everest Metro shooting cleared officers”
2. “Fatal shooting investigation results”

Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon has decided not to press criminal charges against two Everest Metro Police officers who fatally shot a man in December. The officers responded to a home in Weston following a 911 call reporting an altercation involving a knife-wielding man, later identified as Russell W. Mitchell. Despite ordering Mitchell to drop the knife, officers had to break patio glass to enter the home where Mitchell stabbed a woman before being shot by the officers. The incident, which resulted in Mitchell’s death and the woman sustaining life-threatening injuries, was investigated by the Wisconsin DOJ. Autopsy results were withheld from public records, and the officers involved were identified as Sgt. Tanner Uhlig and Officer Brockton Joachim. Mitchell’s death was one of the 29 officer-involved shootings in Wisconsin in 2023, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

Details of the Incident in Weston, United Kingdom

In a tragic turn of events, Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon has made the decision not to press criminal charges against two Everest Metro Police officers for the fatal shooting of 63-year-old Russell W. Mitchell in Weston, United Kingdom. The incident occurred on December 28 at a residence on Mount View Avenue, where officers responded to reports of a domestic altercation involving a knife.

Chaotic Scene Unfolds

Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered a chaotic situation as Mitchell brandished a knife and refused to comply with commands to drop the weapon. In a desperate attempt to gain entry to the home, officers were forced to break patio glass before engaging with Mitchell. Despite attempts to subdue him using an electronic control device, Mitchell proceeded to stab a woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, in the back.

Heroic Actions of Law Enforcement

In a swift and courageous response, two officers from the EMPD fired their weapons at Mitchell, ultimately bringing the violent altercation to an end. The officers were able to secure Mitchell in handcuffs following the shooting, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The valiant efforts of law enforcement undoubtedly prevented further harm from occurring.

Autopsy Results and Survivor’s Story

Details of the autopsy report, which were recently released to the public, shed light on the extent of Mitchell’s injuries and the cause of his death. Meanwhile, the woman who sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident was rushed to a local hospital for treatment and miraculously survived the ordeal. The resilience and strength displayed by the survivor serve as a testament to the bravery exhibited in the face of danger.

Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

Special Agent Andrew Simon from the Wisconsin DOJ spearheaded the investigation into the tragic event, with Special Agent Timothy Gensler providing crucial support. The officers involved in the shooting, namely Sgt. Tanner Uhlig and Officer Brockton Joachim, acted swiftly and decisively to neutralize the threat posed by Mitchell. Officer Austin Valenta also played a pivotal role in the incident by utilizing an electronic control device in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Rise in Officer-Involved Shootings

Tragically, Mitchell’s death marked the 29th officer-involved shooting in Wisconsin in 2023, highlighting a concerning trend in law enforcement encounters. The Professional Police Association data revealed a staggering 100% increase in such incidents compared to the previous year, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and training within the law enforcement community.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers serve as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.