(Beaver Dam) A domestic violence suspect who was shot by Beaver Dam police has been formally charged. Richard Henke of Beaver Dam sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being wounded in the lower extremities in October.
Authorities responded to the Henke residence after reports to 9-1-1 from a child. The first officer on scene heard screaming, drew his gun and entered the home. In the kitchen, Henke was allegedly observed in a physical altercation with a screaming woman, described as a “pushing and pulling fight.” In the criminal complaint, the officer described the suspect with a blank stare and eyes that were (quote) “black and evil.”
Henke reportedly gripped the woman’s head and hair, manhandling her as she flailed her arms trying to get away while he backed-up into a bedroom. The officer initially lost sight of the couple then advanced into the bedroom only to be attacked by two dogs. After fighting-off the dogs, the officer saw an empty rifle case and heard the victim screaming “no, no, no!”
Henke was then allegedly observed in a crouching position against a wall pointing an “AR 15-type rifle” directly at the officer. That police officer told investigators that he thought Henke was going to kill both him and the woman, so he fired all his bullets before diving into another bedroom to reload, unaware of the condition of the suspect. Additional personnel then arrived in the home and could be heard yelling at Henke “don’t touch the gun.”
The officer who initially responded sustained bruises and scratches but was otherwise not physically injured. It was later learned that the rifle that Henke was holding was inoperable.
The 35-year-old is charged with felony Threat To Law Enforcement with Use of a Dangerous Weapon and Intentionally Pointing a Firearm At Law Enforcement along with misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct/ Domestic Abuse. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum penalty of over 17 years in prison. An initial appearance is scheduled for next Friday.
