Deputies responding to check welfare fired upon, injured

On Monday, October 10, 2016 at 1:39pm, the Sauk County Communications Center received a call from a man residing in the Village of West Baraboo who indicated that he no longer wanted to live. Deputies were dispatched and responded to check the welfare of the man.

Upon arrival, the Deputies attempted to make contact with the man, who answered the door while armed with a shotgun. The Deputies retreated to what they believed was a safer position.

A short time later, the man opened the apartment door briefly, closed it quickly and fired a shot through the door at one of the Deputies, striking him in the hand.

Additional assistance responded, and Deputies were able to convince the man to exit his apartment and surrender peacefully.

The man, identified as 56 year old William S. Abate, was arrested on charges of Attempted 1^st Degree Intentional Homicide. Additional charges may be forthcoming as well.

Evidence gathered pursuant to the execution of a search warrant in this case indicate that the man had several firearms available to him in multiple rooms of his apartment, and may have been planning on engaging Law Enforcement in a gun fight.

The injured Deputy, a 23 year veteran with the Sheriffs Office, was treated and released at a local hospital with a minor injury.

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff