Hartford, WI – A large law enforcement response in the Town of Hartford on Wednesday, May 13, ended peacefully after authorities took an armed man into custody following an hours-long crisis situation.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies assisted the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office around 4 p.m. during an investigation involving a 62-year-old man allegedly experiencing a mental health crisis after leaving a Dodge County residence armed with a rifle.
Investigators said the man reportedly made statements indicating possible suicidal intentions, including threats of “suicide by cop,” before authorities located him inside a motorhome parked on a farm property in the 7200 block of Arthur Road in the Town of Hartford.
Officials said credible information indicated the man was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and had allegedly made threatening statements. A woman inside a nearby home sheltered in place as deputies established a containment perimeter around the property.
Authorities temporarily shut down portions of Arthur Road, County Highway U, and Airport Drive while emergency crews responded. Operations at the Hartford Municipal Airport were also interrupted during the incident because emergency access routes crossed active runways.
Negotiators from multiple agencies communicated with the suspect for an extended period in an effort to peacefully resolve the situation. During the standoff, authorities observed the man outside the RV carrying a rifle before he returned inside the vehicle.
At approximately 6:57 p.m., officials said the suspect surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without injuries to the public, law enforcement personnel, or the suspect. A firearm was later recovered from inside the motorhome.
The investigation remains ongoing through the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, which is expected to release additional information regarding potential charges.
