For the Tomahawk Leader

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, June 7 identified the suspect and the Lincoln County deputies who were involved in a vehicle pursuit that took place in Lincoln County on Wednesday, June 2.

According to a release from DOJ, David J. Burdick, 27, was driving a reported stolen vehicle westbound on a township road in rural Lincoln County when it left the roadway and crashed. Burdick was the sole occupant of the vehicle and is deceased.

Burdick was being pursued by two squad cars occupied by Deputy Sheriff Dean Dokken, one year of service; Deputy Sheriff Logan Lange, five years of service; and Deputy Sheriff Ashtin Zunker, three months of service, when the crash occurred.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation (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.”