Lone Rock man charged after random stabbing at gas station

Aug. 31, 2026

LONE ROCK, Wis. — A 35-year-old Lone Rock man has been charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide after authorities say he stabbed a stranger multiple times Sunday at a gas station in Richland County.

Deputies from the Richland and Sauk county sheriff’s offices responded at about 12:05 p.m. Aug. 30 to the Lone Rock Shell station on U.S. Highway 14 following reports of a stabbing.

According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, witnesses intervened and helped keep the suspect at the scene until law enforcement arrived. Deputies then took Joseph Schultz, 35, of Lone Rock, into custody without incident.

Investigators said the victim, a 42-year-old Madison man, suffered multiple knife wounds during the attack. Witnesses and Lone Rock EMS provided emergency medical care before the victim was transported to UW Hospital in Madison for further treatment.

Authorities said the victim is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.

The investigation determined that Schultz and the victim did not know each other prior to the incident, suggesting the attack was random.

Schultz was transported to the Richland County Jail and charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.

Lone Rock EMS, Lone Rock Fire Department, Middleton EMS and the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.

The charge is an allegation, and Schultz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.