VILLAGE OF FREDONIA, Wis. — The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department provided details late Friday night on a standoff in a Village of Fredonia home that began with a police complaint more than 24 hours ago.
Around 8:30 p.m. Thursday, neighbors on Fox Glen Road reported hearing multiple gunshots throughout the day. The sheriff's department said they received multiple calls from residents with similar concerns.
Deputies initially monitored the area, but did not hear any gunshots.
WATCH: Authorities provide details as standoff continues
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, the homeowner was reached by phone and acknowledged playing loud music and firing weapons from the residence. He told authorities he was going to continue playing music, and if anyone came to his residence, he would shoot them.
Shortly after the phone conversation, deputies in the area heard multiple gunshots coming from the residence.
Further investigation determined that the suspect was discharging several firearms in unknown directions, including an automatic rifle, "posing a significant threat to the safety of the community and law enforcement," according to the sheriff's department.
Residents near Fox Glen Road were then instructed to shelter in their basements as the standoff started to unfold.
Electrical power in the affected neighborhood was temporarily shut off but was restored Friday morning around 5:20 a.m.
Officials closed Fox Glen, Pheasant Lane, and Partridge Lane to traffic.
WATCH: Neighbors speak out as they are forced to shelter in place during Fredonia standoff
"Over the course of several hours, negotiators attempted to engage the suspect and de-escalate the situation," the sheriff's department said in a press release. "Despite these efforts, the suspect remained uncooperative and made explicit threats toward law enforcement personnel, stating 'he’d go full auto' and kill anyone who approached. The suspect also provided information indicating he was heavily armed and prepared to use force against officers. On multiple occasions, the suspect was observed aiming a rifle in the direction of law enforcement armored vehicles stationed on scene."
The ongoing police standoff prompted the closure of nearby churches and schools Friday due to their proximity to the incident.
The sheriff's office said it is contacting all residents on Fox Glen Road, Pheasant Lane, and Partridge Lane, giving them the option to either remain indoors or accept a police escort out of the area, traveling to Martin Avenue.
“Very loud. Woke me and my husband up. The kids are aware something's going on. Helicopters, police sirens going around in the area,” said Megan Buechler, who lives nearby. “So it's a morning of keeping calm and reassuring your kids that yes, there's something going on, but police are handling it."
What we know so far:
As of 10:30 p.m. Friday, the individual remained inside his residence and is considered "extremely dangerous" and heavily armed.
"Our top priority remains the safety of the community, law enforcement personnel, and the individual involved," the sheriff's department said. "Officers are employing every available resource and tactical approach to bring the situation to a peaceful and safe resolution. We recognize the seriousness of this situation and are proceeding with caution, patience, and perseverance."
The public is urged to avoid the area while authorities work to stabilize and resolve the incident.
This is a developing public safety situation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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