Officer shot in Dodge County initiating stand off Sunday

A man is dead and a police officer shot in Dodge County after a tactical incident there Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt says the incident started just before 7 p.m. Sunday night when deputies with the sheriff’s office as well as officers from the City of Columbus were called to a report of an intoxicated man causing a disturbance and exhibiting threatening behavior toward members of the public at River Run Dog Park, located north of the City of Columbus.

On scene, officers located the man and attempted to make contact with him. During the course of that contact, the suspect fired a gun at responding officers, striking a Dodge County Sheriff’s deputy.

The injured deputy sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to UW Hospital in Madison.

After firing at officers, the man retreated into his vehicle parked nearby. Officers coordinated a rescue of the injured deputy so medical care could be provided, then devised a tactical response to deal with the suspect.

Additional resources from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office were called in to ensure the safety of the public and responding personnel while efforts were made to take the suspect into custody.

Because a Dodge County deputy was injured, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team assumed the lead role in the tactical operation to avoid any potential conflict of interest, though the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office remained involved in a support role during the operation.

After a stand-off where the public in the area was told to shelter in place, law enforcement located the man deceased inside his vehicle with a handgun found nearby. Preliminary information indicates the suspect died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and at no time during the incident did any law enforcement officer discharge their weapon.

Based on information obtained during the investigation, law enforcement do not believe any additional suspects are involved.

Sheriff Schmidt says after receiving medical treatment, the deputy was released from the hospital.

A multi jurisdiction incident investigation team will now conduct an investigation of the incident.