The Antigo Police Department Officer involved in the initial traffic stop which resulted in a high speed chase into Lincoln County and the eventual death of the driver has been identified as Patrolman Joseph Husnick.
According to a statement from the Antigo Police Department, Husnick, a five-year veteran of the department, noticed a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity of Sixth Avenue and Morse Street at approximately 6:15 a.m. on July 26. The vehicle appeared out of place in an area of the city that has had frequent interactions with the department.
Upon running the license plate, Husnick became aware that the plate did not belong on the vehicle upon which it was displayed and initiated a traffic stop. During the course of the routine stop, the driver fired shots at Husnick and left the scene.
A high speed chase ensued on State Hwy. 64 west into Lincoln County whose Sheriff’s Office assisted to confine the vehicle and the driver.
The driver of the aforementioned vehicle has since been identified as 50-year-old Scot Minard of Eagle River.
Husnick and three other law enforcement officers have been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the Department of Justice.
The Antigo Police Department respectfully requests that all inquiries be directed to the Director of Public Safety. Patrolman Husnick may not publicly comment at this time due to the ongoing investigation.