Olig

On Friday, August 13, at approximately 10 p.m., Marathon County Sheriff’s deputies were advised of a pursuit heading into Marathon County from Lincoln County. Deputies Hessil and Magray were in a position to deploy stop sticks and attempt to take over the pursuit from Lincoln County. They deployed the stop sticks on the road ahead of the suspect vehicle, but the suspect managed to veer off the road into the ditch, resulting in an unsuccessful deployment.

The pursuing law enforcement officers lost sight of the vehicle as it headed westbound on County Road WW, west of County Road W, but continued to search the area for the suspect. Deputy Nathan Olig was near the end of his shift, but headed toward the last known location of the suspect vehicle to help in the search.

As Deputy Olig was driving through the former Village of Brokaw, he passed a small used car lot and noticed that one of the cars appeared to be out of place. Deputy Olig positioned his vehicle perpendicular to the suspect vehicle on the passenger side and shone his light to see inside the vehicle. He could not immediately see anyone inside, so he exited his vehicle to approach the suspect vehicle. At that point, Olig observed a male subject exit the driver’s side from a crouching position, armed with a handgun. He pointed at Deputy Olig and fired at him, but missed. Deputy Olig immediately returned fire, striking the subject several times. The subject fell to the ground near the front of the vehicle, dropping the gun.

A female subject had been crouching in the front passenger seat and did not become visible until the subject pointed his gun at Deputy Olig and she managed to step between the subject and the deputy. She was hit in the leg by gunfire as a result.

Deputy Olig took cover and waited for backup units. When backup arrived, verbal commands were given to the subject, but he was not complying. Deputy Olig was leading the stack approaching the subject, knowing that both parties needed immediate medical attention.

The female suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh and a tourniquet was secured on her leg. The male suffered several gunshot wounds. A chest seal was applied on his torso and a tourniquet to his leg. Both subjects were taken to a hospital, and both survived the incident.

For demonstrating great resolve and courage when confronted with this life-and-death situation, and for performing in a manner that was above and beyond the call of duty, WPPA presented the 2022 Award for Valor to Marathon County Deputy Sheriff Nathan Olig.