Lac du Flambeau man charged with attempted homicide

Brett La Barge, 42, of Lac du Flambeau, has been charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide in Vilas County Circuit Court following an alleged assault that occurred in the early afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 13.

According to a press release issued by Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officers of the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department and sheriff’s office responded to a report of a possible homicide in the Town of Lac du Flambeau.

Upon their arrival at the scene, the officers apprehended a suspect and found an unconscious victim suffering from severe head trauma. Officers immediately rendered aid to the victim and summoned ambulance personnel and a medivac helicopter. The victim was transported via helicopter to a medical facility.

According to a press release issued, the attack upon the victim was targeted, and was perpetrated by a lone assailant who was placed in secure custody. The public was assured that there was no related danger to the community.

Responding agencies included the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, Vilas County Sheriff’s Department, Vilas County Dispatch Center, Lac du Flambeau EMS, Woodruff and Minocqua police departments, Lac du Flambeau Emergency Shelter, Lac du Flambeau Tribal Victim Services, State Crime Labs of Madison and Wausau, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Justice, and Aspirus Hospital and helicopter staff.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and the victim’s family at this time,” the press release stated.