On April 21, 2023, William Voelker, a 69-year-old man, was killed in a police-involved shooting in the Town of Grand Rapids, Wisconsin. The incident occurred near 32nd Street S and Airport Avenue when Voelker encountered a law enforcement officer. During this interaction, Voelker reportedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer. The officer responded by firing their weapon, fatally striking Voelker.
Despite immediate efforts to administer first aid, Voelker was pronounced dead at the scene. The situation quickly garnered public attention, especially due to the circumstances surrounding Voelker’s behavior and the officer’s response. Following standard protocol, an investigation was launched involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Wisconsin Department of Justice took the lead in reviewing the case.
After examining the evidence, the Wood County District Attorney’s office determined that the officer’s actions were justified. No charges were filed, as the officer was deemed to have acted in self-defense, responding to the threat posed by Voelker’s actions. The decision not to prosecute the officer marked the conclusion of the legal review, although the incident continues to stir discussions around the use of force by law enforcement officers.
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