Holly MatkinVillage of Cameron, WI – Two Wisconsin law enforcement officers were fatally shot during a traffic stop in Cameron on Saturday afternoon, according to investigators.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (WDOJ) said in a press release that the incident occurred at approximately 3:38 p.m. on April 8.
An unidentified Chetek police officer was conducting a traffic stop when a shootout erupted, according to investigators.
The Chetek police officer and a Cameron police officer were both hit by gunfire.
Radio traffic indicate an ambulance was dispatched to the area of Highway 8 and Double S at 3:39 p.m., WTMJ reported.
Both officers succumbed to their wounds at the scene.
The WDOJ said the suspect was also shot during the gun battle.
The suspect was rushed to a local hospital, but did not survive.
Officials have released few details about the incident or what led up to the exchange of gunfire.
The gunman’s identity was not immediately released.
The WDOJ said there is no threat to the community.
Officials did not release the names of the slain heroes, but family members identified them as Cameron Police Officer Hunter Scheel and Chetek Police Officer Emily Breidenbach, Wisconsin Right Now reported.
Officer Breidenbach served the Chetek Police Department (CPD) for more than four years, according to her LinkedIn page.
It is unclear how long Officer Scheel had been on the job.
“Our community is experiencing a time of great tragedy,” Village of Cameron Police Department (CPD) Chief Adam Steffen said in a Facebook post on Sunday. “As we continue to work through this, please respect the privacy of our law enforcement officers and their families. We want to thank the community for their continued support and overwhelming acts of kindness. The support has been tremendous!”
Chetek Police Chief Ron Ambrozaitis issued an identical statement on his department’s Facebook page.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers extended his condolences to the families of the officers who were killed, as well as to the departments and communities they served.
“Our hearts are heavy for the Chetek and Cameron police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty yesterday,” Evers tweeted on Sunday. “Kathy and I are praying for the officers’ families, colleagues, and the Barron County community mourning this tragic loss.”
The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is handling the ongoing investigation into the incident with the assistance of the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, the Barron County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, and a DCI crime response specialist, according to the WDOJ.
Investigative findings will be turned over to the Barron County District Attorney for review.
A procession of law enforcement officers is expected to escort the fallen heroes’ bodies from Barron, Wisconsin to Minnesota on Monday morning, WTMJ reported.
The Chetek and Cameron, Wisconsin, police officers who were shot and killed during a traffic stop were named by family members as Emily Breidenbach and Hunter Scheel. https://t.co/XCI5BGnrYV pic.twitter.com/8EF3I9tYko
— Wisconsin Right Now (@wisconsin_now) April 10, 2023
2 Officers Killed in Barron County Wisconsin
A Chetek police officer was conducting a traffic stop during which gunfire was exchanged. A Chetek & a Cameron police officer were pronounced dead at the scene.
The person involved in the shooting was shot & killed#breakingnews pic.twitter.com/IDyWYNRlQI
— Crime With Bobby (@crimewithbobby) April 9, 2023
Outside the Chetek Police Department, this Easter morning — hearts are heavy and flags at half staff following the loss of two police officers. One from Chetek the other from Cameron. @KARE11 pic.twitter.com/id6ze4xSbq
— Dave Peterlinz (@DPet_KARE11News) April 9, 2023
Officials brought 2 coffins draped in American flags into this van. pic.twitter.com/t1NUtc1gtb
— Kaylee Staral (@KayleeStaral) April 10, 2023
Our hearts are heavy for the Chetek and Cameron police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty yesterday. Kathy and I are praying for the officers' families, colleagues, and the Barron County community mourning this tragic loss.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) April 9, 2023
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