Fond du Lac Police subdue suicidal woman with less lethal force

On Monday, January 15, 2024, at approximately 9:20 p.m., the City of Fond du Lac Police Department responded to the 200 block of 7th Street for a report of a suicidal female with a large butcher style knife entering a vehicle.

City of Fond du Lac Police Officers arrived and located the vehicle driven by a 33-year-old Fond du Lac resident leaving the area. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but upon activation of emergency lights, the vehicle failed to pull over. The vehicle would not stop, however, continued to follow traffic controls and reached a speed of approximately 37 MPH travelling through areas in the southwest portions of the City.

The female eventually stopped the vehicle in the area of County Highway V and U.S. Highway 151. She exited the vehicle with the knife, started walking towards an Officer and refused to drop the knife.

One less-than-lethal impact munition (40mm ‘eXact iMpact’ Sponge round) was deployed striking the armed female in the leg causing her to drop the knife. After the deployment, the female was taken into protective custody. The City of Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue responded to evaluate the female. The 33-year-old Fond du Lac woman was placed on an emergency detention.

The goal in any situation is to de-escalate and bring a peaceful resolution so that everyone is safe. Even when Officers attempt to de-escalate a situation, sometimes factors beyond the control of an Officer can result in force becoming necessary. The use of a less-than-lethal impact munition helped resolve a high-stress armed encounter while reducing the risk of injury to the individual and Officers.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, there are many services and support available to you whether you need someone to talk to, you need someone to respond, or you need a place to go.

If you are in imminent danger or experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1. If you are having thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, call the Fond du Lac County Crisis Line at 920-929-3535 or 9-8-8 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Fond du Lac County Crisis Line and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provide free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis.

To reach out to the FDLPD Co-Response Team call the Fond du Lac County Communications Center non-emergency line at 920-906-5555.

No further details or information are being released at this time.

The Fond du Lac Police Department was assisted by Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue and the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.