BARRON COUNTY (DrydenWire) - On Wednesday, an independent administrative use of force review panel convened to evaluate the actions of the law enforcement involved in the critical incident that occurred on October 8, 2023, at the Riverside Arms apartment complex in the City of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, that resulted in the death of Zachary J. Veitch, according to a joint press release from the Barron County Sheriff’s Office and the Rice Lake Police Department.
Press Release
Today, an independent administrative use of force review panel convened to evaluate the actions of the officers/deputy involved in the critical incident from October 8, 2023, at the Riverside Arms apartment complex in the City of Rice Lake. This panel is made up of various law enforcement professionals such as firearms instructors, and internal and external law enforcement executives/supervisors/officers.
This review is necessary, and required by each of our departments in the event the use of force by our members results in a serious injury or death to another person. Its purpose is to ensure our officers/deputy followed policy.
In addition to this review, on Monday, November 6, 2023, the Barron County District Attorney released his findings based on his review of the criminal investigation that was completed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation. The Barron County District Attorney determined that the use of deadly force by all involved officers/deputy was legally justified and reasonable to protect themselves and other citizens/residents of the complex.
Related: Barron County District Attorney Releases Report On Officer-Involved Death Of Zachary Veitch
The outcome from today’s use of force review panel was that all of the officer’s/deputy’s actions were within department policy and procedures. Therefore, all officers/deputy are cleared from paid administrative leave/duty and they will return to full duty.
The names of the officers/deputies are not being released for their protection because of a substantiated threat to their lives.
Per:
- Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald
- Rice Lake Police Chief Steven Roux
Last Update: Nov 09, 2023 6:23 am CST
