Superior Police Involved in Shooting Return to Duty

The Investigation Remains An Open Case

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The three Superior police officers involved in the shooting of 19-year-old theft suspect, Joshua Farmer, have returned to work, according to Police Chief Nicholas Alexander.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice provided a copy of its investigation to the Superior Police Department and Douglas County Attorney’s Office on Thursday.

“I have reviewed the report from the DOJ and it is my interpretation the officers involved acted within department policy, state law, consistent with use of force training as mandated by the WI DOJ Division of Training and Standards,” Alexander said.

Farmer was shot six times by three officers after claiming to have a firearm and threatening to shoot the officers, according to Alexander. Officer body cam footage shows Farmer stating, “I’m going to shoot at you. You’re going to die or I’m going to die” before aggressively removing a shiny metal object and pointing it at the officers.

Farmer was last reported in October by the Superior Police Dept. as hospitalized in stable condition. An update on his condition, or if he has been released from the hospital, could not be confirmed by Alexander Tuesday.

Alexander says the case remains an open investigation. The DOJ’s report is now with Douglas County District Attorney Mark Fruehauf.

Fruehauf told FOX 21 on Tuesday that he will be forwarding the report to the district attorney of Barron County to determine if the Superior police officers involved in the shooting should be charged in the case.  Farmer could also face charges.