UPDATE: Slain driver identified as Wisconsin bank robbery suspect

WEDNESDAY 12/16/2020 9:35 a.m.

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (WFRV) – Before being involved in a fatal shootout in Fort Atkinson, the driver was identified to be a suspect in a bank robbery that occurred in Monona earlier that day.

According to a release, the driver, Joseph R. Crawford, age 23, died of multiple gunshot wounds at the scene.

Wisconsin State Patrol Troopers were not aware of the bank robbery when they attempted the traffic stop.

The investigation of the bank robbery is being led by Monona Police Department and the FBI

According to authorities, at approximately 12:30 pm, Wisconsin State Patrol attempted a traffic stop for speeding on Highway 26 between Watertown and Johnson Creek.

The passenger, Desmond Watkins, age 22, was apprehended after attempting to flee the scene.

Officials say the involved troopers from Wisconsin State Patrol have been placed on administrative leave, per department policy. The troopers are:

• Trooper Keegan Williams, five years of law enforcement experience
• Trooper Alexander Polizzi, three years of law enforcement experience
• Trooper David Heinisch, one year of law enforcement experience

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is currently available.

Original: Investigation underway after Wisconsin troopers shoot, kill driver after car chase

THURSDAY 12/10/2020 8:32 a.m.

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (WFRV) – A person is dead and three Wisconsin State Patrol troopers are on administrative leave following a Wednesday car chase in Fort Atkinson.

Affiliate WISC says the Wisconsin Department of Justice is now investigating the officer-involved death.

Authorities say the Wisconsin State Patrol pulled a vehicle – occupied by a driver and a passenger – over on Highway 26 between Watertown and Johnson Creek in the southern part of the state.

The vehicle briefly stopped, but the passenger got out and ran away before the driver left the scene. That passenger was later taken into custody.

State Patrol then pursued the vehicle. The driver reportedly fired shots at authorities.

The vehicle continued to lead officials on a chase, driving into road spikes that were deployed before exiting the highway and stopping at a median.

The driver then got out of the vehicle with a handgun and attempted to carjack a civilian.

Authorities say three State Patrol troopers then fired shots and struck the driver. Life-saving measures were performed, but the person later died of their wounds. No one else was injured during the incident.

Those three troopers have since been placed on administrative leave due to the department’s policy.

DCI is now leading the investigation with the help of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and the DOJ Office of Crime Victim Services.