JANESVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) – What started out as a disturbance at a sports bar ended up in a nearby river after a man attempted to flee police in southern Wisconsin.
On Saturday, October 14, shortly before 10:15 p.m., officers with the Janesville Police Department observed a disturbance occurring in the parking lot of Riley’s Sports Bar and Grill on the 200 block of West Milwaukee Street.
While on the scene, the officer heard a gunshot, which came from a vehicle leaving the parking lot. The officer observed a male, later identified as 34-year-old Erik Heise, get out from the passenger seat in the vehicle and start walking away.
The officer attempted to stop Heise, who began running and drew the firearm from a holster.
The firearm was dropped by Heise, and he reportedly continued running before he eventually jumped into the Rock River, just east of Festival Street.
With help from a Janesville Fire Department boat, Heise was taken into custody without further incident, and he did not sustain any injuries.
Court records show that Heise is facing the following charges:
- 2nd-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
- Felony G
- Operate Firearm While Intoxicated
- Misdemeanor A
- Obstructing an Officer
- Misdemeanor A
Heise made his initial appearance in the Rock County Courthouse on Monday, where he had a signature bond set for $1,000.
He is expected to be back on November 1 for an adjourned initial appearance.
No additional details were provided. Local 5 News will update this if any more information is released.
