On June 14th at approximately 3:30pm the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Department responded to a property damage, Hit and Run accident in the Town of Holland. Their investigation revealed that off-duty La Crosse Police Officer James Gegenfurtner was responsible for the accident and appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant. James Gegenfurtner was subsequently arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle while intoxicated. His preliminary breath result was .24, which was three times the legal limit.
James Gegenfurtner was hired by the La Crosse Police Department in 1996 and his current assignment is a first shift patrol officer. He has been placed on Administrative Leave pending a full internal investigation into this matter.
Chief Tischer stated “The allegations against Officer Gegenfurtner are very concerning and do not reflect the standards of a La Crosse Police Officer. I will ensure that a fair and thorough investigation is completed”. The internal investigation is being handled by the La Crosse Police Department and assigned to Asst. Police Chief Robert Abraham and Field Services Captain Troy Nedegaard.
The La Crosse County Sheriff’s Department and the La Crosse County Districts Attorney’s office are responsible for the charging and prosecution in this matter.
Due to the fact that this is an open and ongoing personnel matter, further information will not be released at this time.
La Crosse PD Newsroom 