Marathon County Sheriff’s Officers Respond to “Critical Incident” in the Town of Franzen

Thursday, October 16th, 2025 -- 3:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) One person is recovering after a well-being check on a suicidal man led Marathon County Sheriff’s Officers to deploy less-than-lethal force on Wednesday.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, officers were called to a home in the Town of Franzen at about 10:15 AM for a report of an individual threatening to harm themselves.

He was located about three hours later, armed with a knife. Officers tried to get him to disarm through negotiation, but ultimately had to turn to less-than-lethal force. The man stabbed himself during the incident, and officers provided first aid immediately after he was disarmed.

He is hospitalized for life-threatening injuries. The man’s name has not been released. No officers were harmed during the response. Because use of force was involved, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office will handle the investigation.

If you or someone you know in Marathon County is experiencing a mental health crisis, immediate help is available. You can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or contact the North Central Health Care Crisis Center at (715) 845-4326 or 800-799-0122.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.