If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
UNION GROVE, Wis. — A man wanted for attacking two people ended his own life after he tried to hit a deputy with a truck and the deputy returned fire with his service gun on Friday, authorities say.
Two people are in the hospital with serious injuries. The Racine County Sheriff's Office confirms to TMJ4 News that the suspect took his own life after law enforcement surrounded him on a property in rural Racine County.
It all started when deputies were called to an incident in which a man was "actively assaulting" two people, possibly with a brick, just south of Britton Road and Highway 20, according to the sheriff's office in a statement.
The sheriff's office identified the suspect as a 32-year-old man who had a lengthy criminal record. He had been staying in the area. TMJ4 News does not usually identify suspects unless they have been criminally charged.
At the scene, a deputy says they saw the suspect in a pick-up truck in a driveway. The deputy ordered the suspect to stop. The sheriff's office says the suspect ignored the order and instead accelerated towards the deputy.
The deputy decided to open fire at the suspect in the truck. The suspect in turn smashed into the deputy's squad car and drove off.
Soon after, law enforcement learned about a man acting erratically near a barn on a property. Deputies created a perimeter around where the man was. The sheriff's office activated its SWAT team to deal with a barricaded suspect. They gave the suspect commands, but the suspect ignored them. Instead, he used a knife to slash his wrists and throat. The SWAT team then brought the suspect into custody and attempted to give him first aid, according to the Racine County Sheriff's Office.
The two victims from the initial incident are in the hospital with serious injuries. In the press release, the sheriff's office mentions the suspect "chose to take his own life." TMJ4 News confirmed with the sheriff's office that he did die.
The responding deputy has worked with the sheriff's office for 20 years and previously served 20 years in the U.S. Army.
Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said in a statement, "all of the preliminary facts indicate that the investigator was justified in discharging his firearm."
It appears the scene law enforcement responded to is at or near the Tiny Hooves animal sanctuary. According to their website, it's a female-led 33-acre animal sanctuary and is home to more than 150 "abandoned, abused, neglected, and unwanted" farm animals.
Our TMJ4 News crew at the scene reports Highway 20 has since reopened. Britton Road is still closed from Highway 20 heading south to County A. There is still a large police presence along Britton Road.
