Jan. 29, 2026
COON VALLEY, Wis. — Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports the arrest of Nathanael Ivan Witaker, 19, of Hillsboro, following a series of escalating incidents Tuesday evening, Jan. 27.
According the Sheriff’’s Office, at approximately 3:45 p.m., a deputy sheriff personally served Witaker with a court‑ordered temporary restraining order in the City of Hillsboro. The Sheriff’s Office had received information expressing concern about how Witaker might react and took proactive steps to monitor the situation and communicate with the protected person and other potential victims.
The Sheriff’s report goes on to say that at around 7:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center received a report that Witaker was making disturbing comments in the Hillsboro area. A Hillsboro police officer responded immediately and maintained communication with deputies.
Less than 15 minutes later, the Sheriff’s Office received information that Witaker had left a residence in Hillsboro, reportedly driving a dark gray Ford Fusion. A deputy was sent to a rural Coon Valley residence considered a likely destination.
As the deputy arrived in the area, dispatch received a report of a similarly described vehicle operating without headlights near that residence. The deputy remained on scene to protect potential victims while additional officers were dispatched.
At 8:22 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call reporting that someone was inside a residence and help was needed. The caller could not provide an address. Wireless location data plotted the call along a town road near the deputy’s position, though no structure existed at that location. Investigators later determined the caller was Witaker, using an alias.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., deputies located Witaker on foot near a dark gray 2015 Ford Fusion parked on the town road. Witaker resisted arrest, and a struggle ensued before he was taken into custody. He was found in possession of a large knife.
A deputy sheriff and a City of Westby police officer were injured during the incident. The deputy was treated and released at Vernon Health. The Westby officer received treatment at Vernon Health and Mayo Clinic in La Crosse and was released.
Witaker was transported to the Vernon County Detention Center on the following tentative charges:
- Harassment–Fear of Death/Injunction
- Stalking
- Violation of a Harassment Restraining Order
- Resisting or Obstructing an Officer
- Battery to a Law Enforcement Officer
- Bail Jumping
- Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Injunction—Attempt
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon (no permit)
Witaker appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Judge Timothy J. Gaskell ordered him held on a $100,000 cash bond. As of the time of the release, no bail had been posted. He is scheduled to return to court Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 9 a.m. Formal charges will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer‑Fisher. A charge is merely an accusation; Witaker is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Hillsboro, Westby and Viroqua police departments; Tri‑State Ambulance/Gundersen Ambulance; and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.
“I am extremely grateful for the professionalism, teamwork, and excellent communication that, coupled with critical thinking skills, most certainly led to an efficient conclusion,” Sheriff Torgerson said. “I empathize with everyone involved. Officers receive extensive training in tactical decision‑making. Everyone’s safety is the ultimate goal. However, there are situations, such as this one, when officers must act immediately regardless of the dangers. I appreciate the support from our community.”
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