A Disturbance In Iowa County Was Not Racially Motivated

PULASKI, Wis. (WRCO) – A shed fire in August has led to an ongoing investigation that includes underage drinking and physical altercations.

Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson reports that on Aug. 17 at around 1:05 a.m., the department was dispatched along with multiple fire departments to a structure fire in the town of Pulaski, just west of Avoca. Upon arrival, responders observed evidence of a large underage drinking party at the property, though most individuals had fled prior to law enforcement’s arrival. It was also learned that a disturbance had taken place; however, those present did not provide names of individuals involved. A video later provided to the Sheriff’s Office by WKOW has been reviewed and is assisting investigators.

Through the investigation, officers have learned that individuals are using social media platforms to announce large underage drinking parties with little regard for supervision. These gatherings have drawn many people from across southwestern Wisconsin, most of whom did not know each other. All of these parties occurred at different locations.

On July 27, the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a disturbance at an underage drinking party south of Highland. It is alleged that a 14-year-old victim was associated with the disturbance, but when law enforcement arrived, the crowd dispersed, and no cooperation was received. During the ongoing investigation, it was revealed that there was an unreported underage drinking party southwest of Highland on Aug. 9. It is alleged that the same victim was associated with a disturbance, which included an unreported battery to a female.

On Aug. 17, during the initial response to the fire, the victim was one of many interviewed by investigators from the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department. The victim reported that someone attempted to jump him, or attack him, causing him to run from the area. According to the victim, the aggressors were targeting his friend, who was already at the party, but left before the incident. The victim confirmed that he was not struck, no property was taken from him, and he was not injured.

On Aug. 22, the Sheriff’s Office received a video from WKOW which has since been circulated on social media. In the report from WKOW, city of Platteville Alderperson at large Lynne Parrott stated that the boy told his family that he was a target because the group mistook him for someone else. This statement corroborates the findings that the incident was not racially motivated as many believed.

An African American male, who was present and later interviewed, also provided a written statement to the Sheriff’s Office shortly after the WKOW news story. In his statement, he confirmed he was a direct witness to the incident, helped break up the fight, and at no time heard racial slurs. He added that there were multiple African Americans present, including the one recording the video, and reiterated that the conflict was not racially motivated. He explained that the confrontation stemmed from the victim’s prior behavior including attempting to steal a firearm, assaulting a female, and making threats, rather than race.

Authorities have made multiple attempts to re-interview the victim to obtain final critical details of the crimes, but the victim’s family has not made him available. They report that most suspects have been identified and interviewed; however, the victim’s account is essential. The Sheriff’s Office has even reached out to the family’s attorney in an effort to arrange an interview but are still waiting to hear from the attorney.

Sheriff Michael Peterson reports that the preliminary investigation shows that this incident was not racially motivated, contrary to a WKOW news report, that claimed no other African Americans were present and that the victim was targeted solely due to race. However, this does not in any way excuse the actions of those involved in assaulting the victim. The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the community’s concern in this case and wants to assure the public that it is being taken very seriously.

Anyone with information or tips regarding this ongoing investigation is strongly encouraged to submit them through the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.