A Sheriff’s Deputy out of St. Croix County, Wisconsin was shot and killed in the line of duty
A line of duty death was reported over the weekend and stated that a St. Croix County Sheriff’s Officer was shot and killed.
The Sheriff’s Office has released more information on the shooting. It was reported that 29 year-old Kaitie Leising was the deputy who lost her life Saturday evening. Deputy Leising was called to a possible drunk driver scene and attempted to administer a field-sobriety test, but the suspect shot the deputy.
St. Croix Sheriff, Sheriff Scott Knudson reported that Deputy Leising has been with the department since 2022. Funeral arrangements are currently underway.
Furthermore, additional details were released regarding the encounter with the suspect.
According to the press release issued by the Wisconsin DOJ, it stated: “Upon arrival at the scene, Deputy Leising encountered the driver of the vehicle in a ditch along with another vehicle of individuals that stopped to assist the individual. Deputy Leising requested the individual, Jeremiah D. Johnson, age 34, participate in field sobriety tests before returning to his vehicle. Johnson was evasive to Deputy Leising’s requests and after approximately 8 minutes of dialogue, Johnson turned toward Deputy Leising, drew a handgun and shot her. After being struck, Deputy Leising discharged her weapon three times, but none of the rounds hit Johnson before he fled to the nearby wooded area. This incident was captured on body camera.”
Responding officers rendered aid to Leising and she was taken to a local hospital but did not survive. Officers then canvassed the wooded area in search for Johnson. Officers then reported that several of them observed Johnson in a far away area of the woods, heard a single gunshot wound and witnessed him collapse to the ground. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
No additional information is available regarding donations and or other requested support. Should one become available, we will provide updates.
*We pray for the family of Deputy Leising and may she rest in peace.
Glenwood, WI: A Sheriff’s Deputy was called to report to a scene of a possible drunk driver stuck in a ditch. When the officer arrived to the scene, a “shot’s fired” call was soon called over the radio, alerting other officers.
The officer, who remains unnamed at this time, was then brought to a local hospital for treatment but unfortunately was pronounced dead. The suspect was later found dead in a nearby wooded area of a gunshot wound. It is unclear at this point if the suspect took his or her own life or was the result of a shootout between the suspect and the deputy.
In a press release issued on the incident, and assured residents there is no active threats in the area. The press release wrote, “There is no threat to the community.”
It continued, “DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by numerous neighboring law enforcement agencies, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin State Crime Lab and a DCI Crime Response Specialist. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation. DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to the St. Croix County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.”
Outpouring of Support
Members of the community immediately took to social media to express condolences and show signs of support.
State Representative Jodi Emerson wrote on her Facebook page, “My heart goes out the the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office and all those who knew and loved the fallen officer.”
The Wisconsin FOP also took to Facebook to show their support and also their overall frustration over violence against police. They wrote, “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of another Wisconsin law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty tonight. The fourth this year, the third in less than a month. This has to stop! Rest easy hero, we have the watch from here.”
The Glenwood City Police Department also wrote on their Facebook page, “Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with the St Croix County Sheriff’s Office 
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