Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jul 2002
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2002 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Jessica Hansen

SAUK COUNTY DEPUTY SHOT BY COLLEAGUE IN DRUG RAID

Accident Wounded Man in Both Legs, Sheriff Says

A Sauk County sheriff's deputy was wounded in both legs Thursday when 
another deputy accidentally shot him during a "no-knock" search for a 
suspect wanted on a marijuana charge, the Sheriff's Department reported.

Deputy William Steinhorst, 47, of Baraboo was listed in good condition 
Friday with gunshot wounds to both upper thighs, Sauk County Sheriff Randy 
Stammen said.

As Sauk County Emergency Response Team members searched the house on 
Highway C in the Town of Sumpter, team members separated into two groups 
and eventually moved into adjacent rooms - each without knowledge of the 
other group's presence, according to the Sheriff's Department.

The shooting occurred when a door between the rooms was opened suddenly.

Deputy Charles Schreiber, 44, was placed on administrative duty pending an 
investigation by the Columbia County Sheriff's Department. He has 18 years 
with the department, including 13 with the Emergency Response Team.

A preliminary investigation suggests Schreiber's gun accidentally discharged.

Deputies had hoped to surprise their suspect, who had a history of 
violence, including physically resisting arrest, Stammen said.

To protect officers and avoid giving the suspect a chance to hide, deputies 
were not required to knock or announce their presence and purpose, 
according to the guidelines in the search warrant, Stammen said.

A 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were arrested as a result of the 
6:30 p.m. raid and are expected to face drug charges, according to the 
department.
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