Charges could come this week for 45-year-old Brian Flatoff after hostage situation in Neenah

NEENAH — Police say charges are expected to come later this week for a 45-year-old man in the wake of a standoff at a motorcycle shop in Neenah.

Brian Flatoff



WLUK is reporting Brian Flatoff has not been charged yet -- but police are recommending first degree reckless endangerment, among other charges.

It is not known when Flatoff will appear in court. He remains in custody.

Police were called to Eagle Nation Cycles, a motorcycle repair shop in the 200 block of Main Street in Neenah for a disturbance around 9:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5th.

Police say Flatoff allegedly took several people hostage inside the building.

One man, 60-year-old Michael Funk of Neenah, was shot and killed during the incident while trying to flee.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the officer-involved shooting portion of this incident.

Police said Saturday it was possible Funk was shot by officers, and also by someone inside the Eagle Nation Cycles building.

Police said Saturday the man was shot after he refused commands to drop a weapon.

Milwaukee lawyer Cole J. White, who says he is representing the family says Funk was an employee at the Eagle Nation Cycle shop. White represented Funk and the owner of the cycle shop in a lawsuit against the city of Neenah, according to WLUK.

White claims the shooting was a mistake by officers.

"We don't believe under any circumstances that he posed a threat to the police or that he was brandishing the weapon in any way that would be threatening to law enforcement. We'd like to see them take responsibility for the fact that they killed an innocent man," White said.

White says Funk had a concealed carry permit.

"If there was wrongdoing by law enforcement then we will certainly be pursuing a wrongful death suit," White said.

Flatoff was taken into custody after hours of negotiations.

Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert tells WBAY three police officers were placed on administrative leave the next morning after their involvement in Saturday’s shooting.

He says that’s common procedure after an officer-involved shooting.