GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) –The three Green Bay Police Department officers placed on administrative leave after an officer involved shooting while trying to take a man into custody on Chapel View Road in July have returned to duty.
Russell Lonas, 31, is charged with five charges:
- 2nd-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Use of a Dangerous Weapon
- Vehicle Operator Flee/Elude Officer
- Fail/Comply-Officer/Person into Custody
- Disorderly Conduct
- Domestic Abuse Assessments
- Operate Firearm While Intoxicated
Russell Lonas (BCSO)
The charges stem from a July 20 incident on the city’s east side.
Officers were called to an apartment complex in the 700 block of Chapel View Road after witnesses reported hearing shots fired.
When police arrived, the suspect, Lonas, drove away from the scene. He returned a short time later where police say Lonas had a brief interaction with officers and then went back to his vehicle and left again.
Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis later said officers allowed the man to leave the area to avoid escalating the situation.
Lonas is said to have left and returned to the scene three times, at one point armed with a handgun and during negotiations, police say Lonas fired the gun into the air in front of officers.
A pursuit ensued and Chief Davis said it is believed Lonas fired rounds from the gun during the pursuit.
That’s when three officers fired their guns at Lonas, hitting him. He surrendered to police and he was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Chief Davis said a handgun was found inside the vehicle.
The officers who fired their guns were placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure:
- Officer Cameron Boersma, a four-year-veteran of the Green Bay Police Department
- Officer Shawna Coron, a four-year-veteran of the Green Bay Police Department
- Officer Christopher Vaubel, a four-year-veteran of the Green Bay Police Department
After reviewing investigative reports, audio recordings, officer and witness interviews, photos and videos, the District Attorney’s Office said the officers’ use of force was justified, and that the officers were acting in good faith as they had believed it was their duty to stop the threat posed to them as well as area residents.
“While we never want to be placed in a situation where we must use deadly force, I appreciate the way our officers and sergeants came together and worked as a team to resolve this complex and difficult situation. This incident is an example of the risks inherent in a career in police service,” said Chief Davis.
All three officers have returned to duty this week.
As per department policy, a Critical Incident Review Board will review this incident for compliance with Green Bay Police Department policies and procedures.
