Walworth investigators release name of man fatally shot by on-duty officer



Kris Kristl



TOWN OF GENEVA -- The Walworth County Sheriff's Office released on Friday, February 3rd the name of the person fatally shot by an on-duty officer in the Town of Geneva. That incident happened on Thursday evening.

Officials identified the man shot by police as 26-year-old Kris Kristl of Lake Geneva.

Authorities are releasing few details on the incident at this time. We still don't know exactly what led up to the shooting other than an officer and a deputy initially had contact with the suspect because of a traffic-related complaint.

Kris Kristl



The Walworth County Sheriff's Office says one of its deputies and an Elkhorn police officer were responding to a reckless driving complaint around 7:45 p.m., on County Highway H near Petrie Road when the incident occurred.

Court records show Kristl was convicted ten years ago of felony possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, as well as several misdemeanor charges since then -- including obstructing an officer and hit and run.

Friends tell FOX6 News Kristl wasn't perfect but say he worked hard to provide for his two children.

Kris Kristl



Meanwhile, the deputy and officer were not injured and have been placed on Administrative Duty per protocol. The Walworth County sheriff's deputy involved in this case has been with the Sheriff’s Office for two years and has a total of six years of law enforcement experience. The Elkhorn police officer involved has been with Elkhorn Police Department for approximately eight years.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), is continuing as the lead agency in this investigation.

Town of Geneva shooting incident



The Department of Justice released the following statement:

"DOJ will continue to determine the facts of this incident by reviewing digital evidence, interviewing officers and witnesses, and compiling an investigative report. This report, which does not make a charging recommendation and only contains facts, will be turned over to the DA who will make a decision on whether or not to criminally charge the involved officers."






Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.