DOJ Releases Information on Officer-Involved Death

BROOKFIELD, WI — Authorities have released the details of an officer-involved death in the Town of Brookfield, stating that no action will be taken against the two officers who were there at the time.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice released the information on the Dec. 30 incident on Friday, March 30, detailing the incident between Steven P. Lettenberger and two Town of Brookfield police officers.

According to information shared by authorities, a Town of Brookfield police officer pulled over a vehicle near the Quality Inn at 20150 W. Bluemound Road on the evening of Dec. 30, 2017 after the pursuing officer ran a registration check of Lettenberger's vehicle and learned that he had a warrant out for his arrest.

According to authorities, the officer asked Lettenberger to exit his vehicle after learning that he had a felony probation and parole warrant out under his name. He initially refused to get out of the car, but eventually followed officer's commands to exit the vehicle. At that point, a second officer arrived as backup.

Police reported that Lettenberger quickly turned to face the officers, saying, "we're not doing this." He returned to the car, overpowering the responding officer and his backup. Police say Lettenberger managed to get back to his vehicle, and reached for a gun inside. Police deployed a taser on Lettenberger, but he managed to lift the gun to his head, firing once. He was killed instantly, according to reports.

Susan L. Opper, Waukesha County District Attorney said that the events could be described as "officer involved" to the extent that officers were there when Lettenberger shot himself. Investigators said officers at no point used deadly force against the man.

"I conclude that no crimes were committed by Officer [Joseph] Socolick or Officer [Jeff] Hottinger and I will take no further action at this time," Opper said in a prepared statement.

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