A police officer in Wisconsin was fatally shot Saturday while responding to a potential drunk driver who had crashed into a ditch.
Deputy Kaitie Leising, 29, responded to the scene to assist Jeremiah Johnson, 34, with the driver soon drawing a handgun and shooting her.
Wisconsin deputy shot while tending to DUI suspect who drove into a ditch https://t.co/FdcQJknG4X
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 8, 2023
"The people in the vehicle that stopped to assist Johnson began lifesaving measures on Leising, who was taken to a nearby hospital where she later died," Fox News reported.
"Officers who responded to the scene searched the woods near the scene, and nearly an hour after Leising was shot, an officer located Johnson, heard a shot, and watched him fall to the ground. Officers recovered a handgun where Johnson was found dead," it added.
My deepest condolences to the family of Deputy Kaitie Leising, who was killed in the line of duty Saturday evening in St. Croix County, WI.
My family and I are sending prayers for her family and for the safety of all of our brave law enforcement.https://t.co/9O6afdZ7TL
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) May 8, 2023
Condolences have flooded the Wisconsin community from across the country, including comments from the state's Sen. Ron Johnson soon after the news of the officer's passing.
"My deepest condolences to the family of Deputy Kaitie Leising, who was killed in the line of duty Saturday evening in St. Croix County, WI," he wrote.
"My family and I are sending prayers for her family and for the safety of all of our brave law enforcement," he added.
"Tonette and I send our love and prayers to the family and friends of St. Croix County Sheriff's Deputy Kaitie Leising and her colleagues in law enforcement," former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker added.
The tragic loss has shocked Wisconsin and reminds the nation of the dangers officers face daily in protecting our communities.
Leising will forever be remembered for her service and sacrifice in giving her life in service on behalf of the people of St. Croix County.
