William S. Boardman, 61, Genoa, has been identified as the man shot and killed by a Vernon County Sheriff’s Deputy during a traffic stop on Highway 35 on Friday, June 16.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation publicly identified Boardman for the first time on Friday, June 23, almost week after the shooting took place.        

The DCI also identified Vernon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathon Brown as the person who fired the fatal shot. Brown is a 16-year veteran of the sheriff’s department, according to the DCI.Brown was employed prior to the Vernon County Sheriff's Department by the Village of LaFarge, and was a veteran of the war in Iraq.

At approximately 5:55 p.m. on Friday, June 16 Vernon County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence near Wisconsin Highway 35 and Gianoli Road in Genoa, Wisconsin, for a welfare check.

Upon arrival, Boardman, was departing the home, and the deputies made a traffic stop a short distance from the residence where Boardman turned off his vehicle.

During the traffic stop, Boardman restarted his vehicle and began to drive away at a high rate of speed with Vernon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathon Brown, standing on the running board of the vehicle, according to the DCI report.

Deputy Brown gave repeated commands to stop the vehicle, which Boardman ignored, according to the DCI. Deputy Brown then discharged his firearm, striking Boardman, who was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

Vernon County Sheriff’s Deputies were wearing body cameras during this incident, the DCI stated. No law enforcement officers were injured during this incident.

Deputy Johnathon Brown has been placed on administrative assignment, per sheriff’s department policy.

The DCI is leading this investigation, and is assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, and a DCI Crime Response Specialist. All involved law enforcement are fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation.