For the Tomahawk Leader
MERRILL – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an “officer involved critical incident” that occurred in Lincoln County on Wednesday, June 2, a release from DOJ stated.
According to the release, at about 5:24 p.m., two Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department squad cars were pursuing a reported stolen vehicle westbound on a township road in rural Lincoln County when the vehicle left the roadway and crashed.
“The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle is deceased,” the release said. It is unclear if the driver died at the scene or at a later point in time.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
DCI is leading the investigation of the incident, with assistance from Wisconsin State Patrol, Lincoln County Coroner’s Office, Merrill Fire Department, Merrill EMS, Merrill Police Department and DOJ’s Office of Crime Victim Services.
“All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation,” the release stated. “DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the Lincoln County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.”