Officer-involved deadly shooting at Appleton’s Maritime Bar deemed justified

The Outagamie County District Attorney’s office announced Friday that an officer’s use of force in a Jan. 23 officer-involved shooting was justified.

The D.A. reviewed body camera footage, written reports, surveillance video, witness statements, and photographs in their investigation, determining that Officer Thor of the Appleton Police Department was justified in the use of force to respond to an active shooting threat at Maritime Bar.

“Appleton Police Officers responded to an active disturbance involving the discharge of a firearm within the Maritime Bar. Officer Thor, without hesitation and by himself, entered the establishment to address an active threat. After entering the business, he was fired upon, sustaining injuries. Despite this, Officer Thor took the necessary steps to stop an imminent threat,” said Appleton Police Chief Polly Olson. “Officer Thor’s quick action undoubtedly saved the lives of patrons and additional responding officers. His actions were nothing less than heroic. Our community should be proud of the officers who are committed to keeping Appleton safe.”

Officer Thor will be returned to active duty immediately, and the police department will conduct an administrative inquiry regarding policy and training compliance.

No further information is available for release by the Appleton Police Department.

Below is the original information on the officer-involved shooting.

Authorities had previously said a person shot at police, was then shot by an Appleton police officer, and was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.

The DOJ says police were responding to a report of shots fired inside Maritime Tavern on W. Wisconsin Ave. just after 1:30 in the morning of January 23.

When police arrived, “they were confronted by an armed subject who shot at law enforcement,” a statement from the DOJ says. One officer fired back.

Life-saving efforts were attempted on the suspect, but they were pronounced dead soon after. Investigators have not released any information about the suspect. No police officers were hurt.