Suspect charged with five felonies; deputy on leave

By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has identified the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy and the suspect involved in the officer-involved shooting that took place in the town of Scott Aug. 24.

A release from the DOJ states the Sheriff’s Office was conducting a traffic stop on State Highway 64 in the town of Scott with an individual wanted for a domestic related incident. During the stop, the driver opened the door of the vehicle and displayed a weapon.

Deputy Travis Watruba, a 13-year law enforcement veteran, fired his weapon and struck the victim, Daniel E. Boldt, of Merrill. Boldt was transported to a hospital for injuries and was later released into police custody, where he remains.

Boldt has been charged in Lincoln County court with five counts of possessing a firearm as a felon, one count of battery and one count of disorderly conduct.

Watruba received no apparent injury in the incident. Per department policy, Watruba is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

At the request of the Sheriff’s Office, the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading the investigation into the shooting. The DCI will turn over investigative reports and evidence to the Lincoln County District Attorney when the investigation is complete.