Convicted Felon Tries to Stab La Crosse Officer

Randy R. Burzinski – DOB 07/17/1961

On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, La Crosse Police Officers Charles Frandsen and Rick Rank responded to 809 Rose Street to assist Probation and Parole with taking Randy R. Burzinski (DOB 07/17/1961) into custody on a felony warrant. LCPD Officers met the probation officer at the apartment and attempted to make contact with Burzinski. Burzinski tried to slam the door and began resisting arrest.

While officers were attempting to place him in custody, Burzinski drew a knife from the waistband of his pants and swung the knife at Officer Frandsen’s stomach. Officer Frandsen saw the knife and was able to jump backwards, narrowly avoiding being stabbed. Officer Rank saw the suspect swing at Officer Frandsen, but due to his position, could not see the knife. When Officer Frandsen fell backwards, Officer Rank was attempting to gain control of the suspect. Officer Frandsen was then able to deploy his taser. After being tased, Burzinski continued to refuse commands to get on the floor, but finally complied. Burzinski was then placed in handcuffs and checked for injuries as officers saw blood. It appeared he had stabbed himself while attempting to stab Officer Frandsen. Burzinski denied attempting to stab Officer Frandsen and stated he had stabbed himself to feel pain.

Burzinski was taken to the hospital for treatment and then transported to the La Crosse County Jail where he was booked in on charges of First degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Battery to Law Enforcement Officers, and a Probation Violation.

Knife blade used by Randy R. Burzinski.

Randy R. Burzinski is a convicted felon who has been in and out of prison since the early 1990s. His past charges including Battery to Law Enforcement, 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of a Child, 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, and escape. He was recently released from prison in October 2014.