TOWN OF GREEN VALLEY, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting an investigation into an officer involved death that occurred in the Town of Green Valley, Wis. on the morning of Tuesday, March 10.
At approximately 1:41 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, deputies with the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to respond to a disturbance at a residence located in the 2300 block of State Highway 22. Upon entry, deputies located Jonathan L. Lupe, 38 years old, locked inside a bathroom. Mr. Lupe refused to exit the bathroom, and announced he had a gun. Less lethal force was deployed, which was ineffective. Mr. Lupe advanced towards the law enforcement officers with what law enforcement officers reported they believed to be a firearm. During the DCI scene examination afterward, this item was collected and determined to be a black/brown 177 caliber Crosman Pellet Gun, model 357. Shawano County Deputy Cole Vande Hei, with four and a half years of law enforcement service, discharged his firearm, striking Mr. Lupe.
EMS was contacted and life saving measures were attempted. Mr. Lupe was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
No members of law enforcement or other members of the public were injured during this incident.
The incident was captured via the on-scene deputies’ body worn cameras.
Deputy Vande Hei was placed on administrative leave, per the agency’s policies.
DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by a DCI Crime Response Specialist. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation. DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over the investigative reports to the Shawano County District Attorney’s Office when the investigation concludes. Please direct all media inquiries to Wisconsin DOJ.
