On October 3, 2024 at 6:49 p.m., Sawyer County Deputies responded to a disturbance call involving a firearm in the Village of Exeland. Upon further investigation, it was learned that the suspect, Jason P. Arnold, 42 had an active Washburn County felony warrant and in violation of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
A search warrant was obtained to locate and investigate the complaint at Mr. Arnold’s residence. Due to the severity of this incident and history with Mr. Arnold, SWAT teams from Sawyer/Washburn/Burnett and Barron/Rusk were requested and responded to assist with the arrest. Negations were attempted and continued for hours. At 11:20 p.m., chemical munitions were deployed into Mr. Arnold’s residence. Approximately 40 minutes later, Mr. Arnold discharged his firearm at the armored SWAT vehicles occupied by law enforcement officers, there was no gun fire exchanged by law enforcement. The Superior SWAT team was requested to assist. Unsuccessful negotiations continued for several hours. Chemical munitions were deployed in his residence again and at 4:56 a.m., Mr. Arnold exited his residence with a self- inflicted gun-shot wound. Sawyer County EMS was on scene and administered lifesaving efforts. Mr. Arnold was flown to a MN hospital and his condition is unknown at this time. No injuries were sustained by law enforcement or other responding personnel.
This investigation is currently being investigated by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the WI Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation and WI State Patrol.
