For Hub City Times

MADISON – On May 11, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation initiated an investigation on an officer involved death in Clark County, at the request of Clark County Sheriff Greg Herrick

The investigation involves an incident when law enforcement attempted to make a traffic stop on a man with a felony warrant. A high-speed chase ensued, that ended when stop sticks were deployed. The man, 51-year-old Kelly Gene Abbott of the Black River Falls area, exited the vehicle and presented a firearm. Abbott, Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Klemm, and Loyal Police Officer Jacob Schar exchanged fire.

Klemm and Schar were not injured, while Abbott was struck. The officers rendered first-aid to Abbott, and first responders transported him to an area hospital, where he succumbed to injuries.

Klemm has worked at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office since April 2017 and Schar has worked with the Loyal Police Department since May 2015.

Klemm and Schar have been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation, per the departments’ policies.

The investigation is ongoing.