SWAT Team Called To Evacuate Children From Wisconsin Home

WASHINGTON COUNTY, WI— A man fired a gun causing several adults to flee a Washington County home on Saturday—leaving several small children behind, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement responded to a home on Hunter’s Lane in the Town of Wayne at 3:56 p.m. for a report of a family dispute. During the altercation, a family member armed himself with a firearm and shot a round off, a news release said.

Several family members then abruptly fled the residence. Three children, two 6-months-old infants and a 3-year-old child, were left in the residence with the armed man, the release said.

When the first deputy arrived, a second round was heard from what appeared to originate from outside the back of the home.

Deputies quickly confirmed the suspect was outside of the home and entered the home to check on the status of the children, the release said.

The 3-year-old child was located under her bed hiding and the infants were also located safe inside the home, the release said.

"Due to the unknown mental status, and location of the potentially armed suspect, the Washington County SWAT team was activated and utilized the armored rescue vehicle to safely extricate the children to a safe location where they were reunited with the mother," the release said.

The suspect was safely taken into custody about 1.7 miles east of the home in a farm field. He will face charges of disorderly conduct while armed, the release said.

Sheriff Martin Schulteis said of the incident, “This young man had been under a great deal of external stress and simply lost control. I am thankful he did not hurt himself or any of his loved ones. The deputies and members of the SWAT team demonstrated how a high level of preparedness and tactical proficiency can resolve high-risk situations with the utmost regard for the preservation of life for all involved."