Two Barron County sheriff’s officials have been cleared of wrongdoing, after they exchanged gunfire with a suspect. Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says that Captain Ron Baures and Sergeant Tim Prytz were both justified in using deadly force during the June 3 exchange of gunfire with 32-year-old Jared Brendel of Barron.
Brendel and officers were involved in a shoot-out, following a 10 mile chase that started in Barron County and crossed over in to Dunn County. Police say Brendel opened fire on officers after his car was pushed into a ditch by a squad car. Police returned fire. No one was struck by gunfire during the incident.
Brendel was wanted on multiple charges. He has a plea hearing scheduled June 23 on seven counts that include eluding an officer, driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and driving while his license was revoked.
Fitzgerald says an independent review panel looked at the case, clearing both to return to duty. Deputy Jeff Wolfe, whose squad car was hit with bullets, was also cleared, and was allowed to return to work.
WXCE