Autopsy completed on former Butler lieutenant Brian Pergande; cause of death "undetermined"
MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office has release autopsy results for Brian Pergande. The 39-year-old former Village of Butler police lieutenant died on Saturday, May 14th. The preliminary manner of death has been ruled "undetermined."
Pergande was found near the railroad tracks at Silver Spring and Lovers Lane Road on Saturday morning, after he fell or jumped from a bridge, the medical examiner's report says.
Officials with the Milwaukee Fire Department were dispatched to the scene around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Pergande was found laying on rocks under an overpass next to the railroad tracks. He was pronounced dead just before 9:00 a.m. The distance from the overpass to the ground was estimated to be approximately 35 to 40 feet.
The medical examiner's report indicates Pergande and his wife arrived at Silk Exotic around 12:30 a.m. Saturday. The report says Pergande had consumed multiple drinks throughout the night and was "agitated."
Around 1:00 a.m., Pergande left Silk Exotic, and "appeared to be upset." His wife followed him out, and he apparently threw down his wallet and phone -- before walking away from the club, towards the railroad tracks.
Pergande's wife told police she got into her car and headed north on Lovers Lane Road towards where Pergande was. She was able to find him, and told him to get into the car.
The report says Pergande got into the car on Lovers Lane Road near the bridge, but shortly thereafter, he quickly got out of the car and disappeared.
Pergande's wife and a friend searched the area for Pergande -- with Pergande's wife driving back and forth, to and from their home, in case he returned home. Pergande's wife eventually found him around 8:30 a.m. when she returned to the area.
Life-saving measures were performed by Milwaukee Fire Department officials, but Pergande was pronounced dead at the scene.
Milwaukee police said the following in a statement to FOX6 News on Monday morning, May 16th:
"The injuries suffered by Pergrande were consistent with a fall and the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation."
David Wentlandt, the current chief of police in Butler, released this statement to FOX6 News:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Brian's friends and family during this difficult time.
Due to this incident occurring in the City of Milwaukee, the Village of Butler will not have any further comment at this time."
Pergande's attorney, Christopher MacGillis issued this statement:
"We are deeply saddened to learn of Brian's passing. At this time, we are still in the process of obtaining information about the incident. We ask that his family be provided privacy at this time."
In 2014, Pergande was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for disorderly conduct.
He pleaded no contest to that charge after he was originally charged with felony misconduct in office.
Pergande was accused of taking inappropriate pictures of a woman he arrested. Pergande claimed the photos of an exotic dancer's chest were altered and zoomed in on after they were taken.
Pergande resigned from the Butler Police Department in July 2014.
Pergande was one of two officers suing the Village of Butler in federal court following an investigation in 2013. That investigation revealed many of the members of the Butler Police Department had watched porn on the job, and took part in other bad behavior.
In 2013, punishments for the officers ranged from written reprimands to three-day suspensions. One officer was referred to the DA's Office for charges. The police chief resigned. The village administrator said the entire department would be re-trained.
Pergande and Officer Chad Rahn filed the suit claiming the 2013 investigation was done illegally.
The lawsuit paints both as whistleblowers -- men trying to shine a light on egregious behavior and unknowingly, that light was shined back on them.