CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WJMC) — Names have been released from the officer-involved fatal shooting in late December, east of Lake Wissota.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice said 49-year-old Matthew H. Luke, of Chippewa Falls, was killed in a shootout with police early Sunday morning, Dec. 22.
Police said a domestic abuse incident was reported to the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office around 11:30 p.m. the day before. Deputies responded but Luke had left the scene. His vehicle was later spotted and, after a chase by police, crashed near the intersection of County Highway K and 50th Avenue, east of Lake Wissota. He fired at officers and the Eau Claire Regional SWAT team was dispatched.
Luke allegedly continued firing at officers and they returned fire, striking Luke. Aid was given but he died at the scene.
The DOJ said the officers involved were Eau Claire Police Detective Zacharia Becker, a six-year veteran, and State Trooper Joseph Desprez, a 10-year veteran. Both officers are on administrative leave, per policy, and are cooperating with the investigation.
Once complete, the investigation will be turned over to the Chippewa County District Attorney’s Office for review.