TOMAH, Wis. (WXOW) – The Tomah Police Department responded to a call from an individual experiencing a mental health crisis around 7:37 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20.
In a Facebook post, the department says officers found the subject seated in their semi-truck and in possession of a pistol at the 310 E McCoy Blvd Kwik Trip. Officers then established a perimeter around the semi and began evacuating civilians.
Assistant Chief of the Tomah Police Department, Jarrod Furlano, said the cold was a major factor in the response.
“It’s a very busy parking lot we were dealing with,” said Furlano. “With the truck stop and the cold weather, our officers have a hard time being outside in the elements for an extended period of time.”
Tomah Area Ambulance Service and Tomah Fire Department aided with the evacuation.
Eventually, law enforcement was able to make contact with the individual from an armored vehicle. The driver then exited their semi without any weapons and was apprehended without incident.
Police say it was an isolated incident. Charges are to come.