The La Crosse Police Department has identified Investigator James Mancuso as the officer involved in the drug investigation shooting last Thursday in Holmen. Investigator Mancuso is a 10 year member of the La Crosse Police Department and currently assigned to the drug unit in the Investigative Bureau. Investigator Mancuso has been placed on Paid Administrative Leave per Department Policy, which is normal protocol for Officer involved shootings.
On 12-22-16 at approximately 8:50 pm an undercover methamphetamine drug investigation was being conducted in the Village of Holmen in the Festival Foods parking lot. The WCMEG drug task force, which consists of several law enforcement agencies, was involved in a controlled purchase of methamphetamine.
Investigators attempted to arrest Brandon L. Ritter (age 24) while in the parking lot. However, Ritter put his vehicle in drive to flee the area, striking Investigator Mancuso. Investigator Mancuso fired several rounds at Ritter’s vehicle. The vehicle continued until it struck a snowbank and stopped. Ritter was arrested at the scene.
Investigator Mancuso was transported to a local hospital and released with minor injuries. Ritter was also taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, later released and transported to La Crosse County Jail. Brandon Ritter was charged with Battery to a Law Enforcement Officer, Delivery of Methamphetamine x 2 and First Degree Reckless Endangering Safety. The incident is still under investigation and Ritter will be making his initial court appearance tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.
The La Crosse County Sheriff’s Department is conducting the criminal investigation related to this incident at this time.
La Crosse PD Newsroom 