(FITCHBURG) A former Beaver Dam insurance agent accused of damaging property, violating a no-contact order and leading deputies on a standoff pleaded not guilty Tuesday during his arraignment in Dane County court.
Mason Gunderson stood mute during the hearing Feb. 17, and the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Gunderson faces multiple charges stemming from what authorities describe as a domestic incident in late December. Court records show he was previously charged with criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to a dwelling, both with domestic abuse modifiers.
He also faces additional counts, including second-degree reckless endangerment, fleeing and eluding, failure to comply with officers’ attempt to take him into custody, violation of a 72-hour no-contact order and disorderly conduct.
According to news reports and court documents, Dane County deputies arrested Gunderson on Dec. 29 after responding to a domestic-related call. Deputies were called back to the same home later that night when he allegedly returned in violation of a no-contact order issued during the first response.
Authorities say Gunderson then left the scene and went to his own home in Windsor, where deputies attempted to take him into custody. A lengthy standoff followed. Deputies reported hearing a gunshot during the incident. After several hours of negotiations, Gunderson surrendered without further incident.
Court records list Gunderson as a Fitchburg resident. He previously owned an American Family Insurance agency at 1748 N. Spring St. in Beaver Dam. An American Family spokesperson confirmed he is no longer an agent with the company.
