On Saturday night around 8:30pm numerous ECPD Officers, ECSO Deputies, and UWEC Officers responded to the 2800 block of Thomas Dr. for a man with a gun call. While enroute Officers learned the suspect had a rifle, was wearing a bulletproof vest, and was threatening the caller. Prior to the Officers arriving they learned the suspect was trying to hide the weapon. When Officers arrived, they encountered three individuals on the sidewalk: All three individuals were safely detained without incident.
During the investigation, Officers learned 23 year old Taylor Melman came to the residence after an ex-girlfriend had messaged him about another male at her apartment refusing to leave. Melman had chosen to put on a bulletproof vest, arm himself with the rifle, and carry extra ammunition.
When Melman arrived at his ex-girlfriends he pointed the rifle at the other male. The rifle and bulletproof vest were located in his vehicle nearby. Melman was arrested for 1st degree recklessly endangering safety, endangering safety by intentionally pointing a firearm toward another, possession of a firearm silencer and Disorderly Conduct.
