OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An Oshkosh police officer was justified in shooting an armed, intoxicated man last month, the Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office says.
On June 29, police were called to an area near the Mill Street boat launch for a report of an intoxicated man walking around carrying a loaded rifle.
When officers arrived on scene, they began talking with the man, identified as 34-year-old Benson Thao, in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.
When Thao refused to put down the rifle, officers attempted to use less lethal rounds but Thao continued to hold the rifle in his hands.
At this point, police say Thao began to raise the rifle and point it at officers. That’s when an officer fired his duty assisted rifle, striking Thao one time.
Thao was taken to the hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Due to victim rights obligations, the district attorney says the name of the officer involved is not being released at this time.
After reviewing the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office investigation, Winnebago County D.A. Eric Sparr found Thao presented a significant risk to the life and safety of the officers and the shooting was justified.
On July 5, Thao was charged with first degree recklessly endangering safety. Online court records show a $50,000 cash bond was set. He is due back in court July 24.
