A Shawano County deputy involved in the death of a 38-year-old man in the Town of Green Valley in March has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
The Shawano-Menominee County District Attorney’s Office has determined Deputy Cole Vande Hei will not face charges as a result of the death of Jonathan Lupe Sr.
An investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Their investigative reports were then turned over to the Shawano-Menominee County District Attorney’s Office.
About 1:41 a.m. March 10, Shawano County sheriff’s deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence located in the 2300 block of state Highway 22. Upon entry, deputies located Lupe locked inside a bathroom.
Lupe refused to exit the bathroom and said he had a gun. Authorities reported that deputies attempted to use less-lethal force, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Lupe advanced toward law enforcement officers with what they believed to be a firearm. During the DCI scene examination afterward, a .177-caliber Crosman Pellet Gun, model 357, was collected.
Vande Hei, with 4 1/2 years of law enforcement service, discharged his firearm, striking Lupe, who was transported to a hospital but later died.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
