*The above video is from October 17.*
WAUTOMA, Wis. (WFRV) – An update has been released regarding the deadly Waushara County officer-involved shooting on October 16, with authorities concluding that the man was ‘likely hit’ by a deputy who was returning fire during the incident.
A release provided by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) states that its Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is conducting the officer-involved death investigation.
Along with providing the identities of those involved, the release states that “the officer’s gunshots likely hit the subject, and the subject likely did not die from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.”
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The incident began around 5:25 p.m. on October 16 when a deputy with the Waushara County Sheriff’s Office and a trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol responded to a domestic violence call at a home near the intersection of State Road 73 and County Road O.
After authorities got to the home, 51-year-old Timothy Lehman was reportedly standing outside when he retreated inside and suddenly fired a weapon at the deputy, leading the deputy to return fire.
The deputy was identified as Alex Midthun with the Waushara County Sheriff’s Office. Midthun has 4.5 years of law enforcement experience with the Sheriff’s Office.
Lehman then reportedly barricaded himself inside, and negotiation tactics began. After additional tactical teams arrived, authorities reported hearing gunshots from inside the home. Following additional communication methods, law enforcement went into the home and found Lehman dead.
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The DCI’s updated release stated the following: “The investigation has determined that the officer’s gunshots likely hit the subject, and the subject likely did not die from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.”
Deputy Midthun was placed on administrative leave, and the Wisconsin State Patrol trooper reportedly had their squad camera activated during the incident.
DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over the investigative reports to the Waushara County District Attorney’s Office when the investigation concludes.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
No additional details were provided.
