Full Notification

The three Green Bay Police Department officers placed on administrative leave after discharging their firearms during the attempted arrest of a suspect involved with a reported physical disturbance on Chapel View Road in Green Bay on July 20, 2022, have returned to duty.

There is no evidence to suggest criminal conduct of Officer Cameron Boersma, a four-year-veteran of the Green Bay Police Department, Officer Shawna Coron, a four-year-veteran of the Green Bay Police Department, and Officer Christopher Vaubel, a four-year-veteran of the Green Bay Police Department, when the suspect, 31-year-old Russell Lonas of Green Bay, sustained a non-life-threatening injury, according to the Brown County District Attorney’s Office, which has completed their review of the case. The District Attorney’s Office cites that the officers’ use of force in this instance was justified, and that the officers were acting in good faith as they had believed it was their duty to stop the threat posed to them as well as area residents.

Materials reviewed by the District Attorney included the investigative reports, audio recordings, officer and witness interviews, videos, and photographs.

The officers placed on administrative leave returned to duty on September 6, 2022. Per Department Policy, a Critical Incident Review Board will be convened to review this incident for compliance with GBPD policies and procedures. 

“While we never want to be placed in a situation where we must use deadly force, I appreciate the way our officers and sergeants came together and worked as a team to resolve this complex and difficult situation. This incident is an example of the risks inherent in a career in police service,” said Chief Chris Davis, Green Bay Police Department.

Lonas is facing the following five charges in Brown County Circuit Court:

• Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Use of a Dangerous Weapon
• Knowingly Flee/Elude or Attempt to Flee/Elude an Officer
• Failure to Comply with Officer’s Attempt to Take Person into Custody
• Disorderly Conduct, Domestic Abuse Assessments
• Endangering Safety by Use of Dangerous Weapon – Possession of a Firearm while Intoxicated

 
No further information will be released at this time from the Green Bay Police Department as there is still a criminal prosecution ongoing with the suspect in this case.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to call Green Bay Police at (920) 448-3200 and reference case # 22-238984. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime stoppers at (920) 432-STOP (7867). You may also submit a tip online at www.432stop.com, or utilize the "P3 Tips" app for crime tips.