By Shereen Siewert
WAUSAU — A 55-year-old Curtiss man will face criminal charges in connection with a May 2, 2019 incident that began at an Abbotsford hotel and ended when the man was shot by an officer.
Marathon County District Attorney Theresa Wetzsteon, in a news release issued today, said Dan W. Willison will face charges of first degree recklessly endangering safety, felony bail jumping, attempting to flee or elude an officer, fifth offense operating while intoxicated, operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, and operating a vehicle with a revoked license. The charges are based on Wetzsteon’s review of reports, audio visual recordings and dispatch records in the case, which was investigated by the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation.
According to the Department of Criminal Investigation, Colby-Abbotsford Police Officer Kyle Jolin responded May 2 to the Home Motel in Abbotsford as part of an investigation and made contact with a Willison outside who then fled in a vehicle, striking the Jolin.
The officer, who was not injured, fired shots at the vehicle and struck the suspect, officials said.
Officers with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Colby-Abbotsford Police Department, and Marathon County Sheriff’s Department pursued the vehicle. WIllison eventually stopped on Hwy. 29 and ran before being arrested, officials said.
Life-saving measures were immediately taken and Willison was transported by helicopter to an area hospital.
“Additionally, after careful consideration, the Marathon County District Attorney has concluded no criminal charges will be issued against Colby-Abbotsford Police Officer Kyle Jolin for his actions on May 2, 2019,” Wetzsteon said. “Officer Jolin’s actions and responses were determined to be justified given the totality of the circumstances at the time of the incident.”
Court records show Willison has three additional pending cases: two in Clark County and one in Portage County.
A court date for Willison’s initial appearance in Marathon County has not yet been set.
