Title: Statement from Fitchburg Police Chief Alfonso Morales Regarding the August 12, 2024 Officer-Involved Death Investigation
Date of Release: December 10, 2024
Earlier today, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne publicly provided his review and decision of the investigation into the officer-involved death of Kevin Price that occurred after an incident on August 12, 2024. I appreciate his thorough review of this investigation.
We recognize that this incident and investigation have had an impact on our community, our department, and those directly involved, including Mr. Price's family. We know his family continues to grieve and I offer them my condolences for the loss they feel. I can also tell you this incident takes a significant toll on the sergeant involved as the use of deadly force is a decision no officer takes lightly.
We further recognize that today's announcement does not bring closure to the incident and that questions may remain. At our request, and as required by state law, this incident was independently investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Their investigative files, including body-worn camera footage, have recently been posted on their
website.
The Fitchburg Police Department continues to assess this incident and is reviewing the investigative files from the Wisconsin Department of Justice as part of standard practice. Following today's decision from the District Attorney, we anticipate Sergeant Johnston's return to regular duty status soon.
We appreciate the work of the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and our community's patience during this time.
-Chief Alfonso Morales