On March 9, 2024 at 8:46 p.m. the Prairie du Chien Police Department received a call reporting a fight in progress at 206 West Blackhawk Avenue, The Sawmill Saloon. Officers responded and found that witnesses had begun life saving measures for a victim that was found on the bar floor. CPR was continued and the victim was transported to Crossing Rivers Health and later flown to a LaCrosse, WI hospital.
Witnesses inside the bar described the events that led to the battery of the victim. Based on the statements provided by witnesses, Matthew R. Hoecker, 36 of Minneapolis, MN, was arrested and taken to Crossing Rivers Health for a legal blood draw. He was later transported to the Crawford County Jail and charges of Physical Abuse to an Elder Person- Reckless Causation of Bodily Harm, have been referred to the Crawford County District Attorney.
The Prairie du Chien Police was assisted on scene by the Gundersen Ambulance, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Mar-Mac Police Department and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.
This is an ongoing investigation and further criminal charges may result.