Suspect Identified In Deadly Washington County Home Invasion

WASHINGTON COUNTY, WI—A West Bend Man, involved in the deadly home invasion in Washington County on Wednesday, died after being shot by an officer's weapon, according to a Wisconsin Department of Justice news release.

The release named the shooter as Nicholas Pingel, 30, of West Bend. The release said an autopsy confirmed how Pingel died.

The deputy who fired his gun is a nine-year veteran of Washington County law enforcement and has been placed on administrative leave as a standard protocol pending the outcome of the independent investigation, officials said.

He was not injured as a result of this incident. The state DOJ identified him as Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Lee Goodman.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office:

Pingel had multiple run-ins with the law which date back to 2010 which included misdemeanor and felony arrests. Pingel was released after a four-year stint in prison on extended supervision in Dec. 2020, officials said.

Pingel had one pending misdemeanor criminal case in Washington County against him. He was released from the Washington County Jail on Dec. 15.

The release said Pingel struggled with mental health issues and acted disconnected from family for the week before the home invasion.

Police said drug use could also have contributed to his behavior. Toxicology reports showed Pingel had used marijuana, police said.

How it unfolded

On Wednesday afternoon, Pingel stole a car in the City of West Bend, according to the release. The suspect crashed the car in a roll-over accident on Forest View Road north of Ridge Road in the Town of Kewaskum, officials said.

A woman came upon the accident and pulled over to check to see if anyone needed help. Pingel assaulted the woman and he attempted to take her car and crashed it while leaving the driveway, officials said.

He then ran into another home in the 8100 block of Forest View Road and forced his way through a locked front door and encountered the homeowners, officials said. After getting the couple's car keys, he went back inside and physically assaulted them, officials said.

He then the home in an attempt to steal the car. Officials said the male homeowner retrieved a handgun for protection but was overpowered by the suspect who fatally shot the 72-year-old man.

Officials said he also attempted to shoot the woman but the firearm did not fire.

Pingel then fled to another residence in the 8200 block of Forest View Road where he found another person. He obtained a shotgun in the home and fatally shot the 77-year-old male resident just outside his garage, officials said. He then fled the residence.

Deputies found the armed suspect on Forest View Road near the scene of the second death as he was leaving that area, officials said. The deputy and Pingel exchanged gunfire and the suspect was struck, officials said.

A perimeter was established and a drone located Pingel dead from an apparent gunshot wound. A firearm was also located near him.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Washington County Sheriff Martin Schulteis released the following statement on Tuesday:

“As a community and an agency, we continue to try and process the horrific events of last week that occurred at the hands of this man. I understand the fear, pain, and anxiety that many in Washington County are experiencing surrounding these events. Random violence is rare in Washington County, people have the right to feel safe within their homes, and these horrific crimes that terrorized so many called into question that very right.

The victims, their families, and this community deserve answers to better understand what could cause someone to act out in such a violent manner, this is why we are releasing the information today. We can provide some clarity, unfortunately, a lot of questions remain unanswered. We as an agency stand with and mourn alongside those affected by this horrific tragedy, we are doing our part to help the community begin to heal.

We are grateful for the outpouring of support for the victims and our agency from the people of Washington County. Finally, I ask that you join me in keeping those affected by the events of February 3rd in your thoughts and prayers as we start the healing process.”