A Beloit police officer, Nicholas Rodenbeck, has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of a suspect who was displaying swords and challenging officers to shoot him. The decision was made by Rock County District Attorney David O’Leary after reviewing evidence from a Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation, which included body camera footage, squad car camera footage, and witness interviews.
The incident took place on April 28 on Ashland Avenue, where 33-year-old Michael Ward was shot and killed after coming out of a residence with swords in each hand, measuring 2 to 3 feet long.
Ward, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had a history of threatening suicide, reportedly came out of the residence with the swords and repeatedly challenged officers to shoot him. The situation escalated to the point where Ward posed a threat to a reporting person, prompting Officer Rodenbeck to open fire and striking Ward in the chest.
Subsequent investigations found evidence of significant property damage inside the residence, including broken mirrors, windows, pictures, cabinets, and televisions. This incident marked one of three fatal encounters involving law enforcement in Beloit this year.