Beaver Dam Domestic Violence Suspect Shot By Police Pleads ‘Not Guilty’

(Beaver Dam) A domestic violence suspect shot by Beaver Dam police was arraigned Thursday. Richard Henke entered a not guilty plea to three felony charges including Battery to Law Enforcement, Intentionally Pointing a Firearm at an Officer and Resisting an Officer resulting in Substantial Bodily Farm, along with misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, Domestic Abuse. The Beaver Dam man sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being wounded in the lower extremities in October.

Authorities responded to the Henke residence in October after reports to 9-1-1 from a child. The first officer entered the home, observed a physical altercation with a screaming woman and described the suspect with a blank stare and eyes that were (quote) “black and evil.” The 35-year-old shoved the woman into a bedroom, the officer lost site then advanced into the bedroom only to be attacked by two dogs. Henke was then observed in a crouching position against a wall pointing a rifle at him. The officer unloaded his weapon then dove into another bedroom. Additional personnel then arrived in the home and arrested Henke.

The officer sustained bruises and scratches but was otherwise not physically injured; the district attorney ruled his actions were justified. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum penalty of over 17 years in prison.