I don't know which is more frightening...the home invasion thugs or you idiots who think the deputy is a bad guy. Please tell me you all do not live in Rock County. Tell me you live far, far away. You can't be among us, please!

hannah...That's like asking "are you "worried" about winning the lottery since it also is random.

Well, are you?

Because the "odds" are in your favor.

To here's_my_opinion....Why do you get to decide if the officer was using his privilege correctly. You do realize all emergency vehicles have the privilege? But you are the officer's judge and jury apparently. You think he was abusing a 'right' or just had an accident using his privilege? I too, drive an emergency vehicle for work. It is easy to be an armchair quarter back, huh!

Eveboy.....now your just using common sense...how dare you tell the truth! People didn't just cause that accident....it was all the deputy's fault---yea right! I heard that call come over the scanner. I woud have rushed there too. I hope the people understand that *%@! happens and we need to look at causality and intent. If I am in danger, I hope this cop is on duty! Hope he is alright and not under the administrative microscope. I'm sure he will gain experience from this also.
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As for the first issue of this article---I hope those asses are caught. Theft is horrible enough, but to terrorize people like that. God help them if they try that in my home! I hope the victims can cope well with the robbery incident.
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If anyone knows any details about these purps----turn them in and do the right thing!

The bottom line is this, the deputy was going to help two people being robbed at gunpoint in their own house. The deputy was racing to protect somebody he didn't even know from harm and people slam him for it. Most of the people who write on this do not know what they are talking about. When you hear or see a police,fire or EMS vehicle approaching, don't try beating it through the intersection or slow down, STOP!!!!

heres_my_opinion-No I haven't, but I have friends in both law enforcement and fire dept. After driving out last night and seeing three different idiots not pull over when a fire truck was coming, I'll place my odds on the officer any day of the week. Sorry. Not to mention, the officer was rushing to help someone that was being burglarized and held at gunpoint. Little more important. Good God.

EVEBOY_E, doesn't make any difference who hit who. Bottom line is the other person had the right of way with the green light. If you have a red light you have to yield till the intersection is safe to go through. Most municipalities now have intersections that can be controlled by emergency vehicles to stop traffic to allow egress safely.

mandy, he was going through the intersection and was struck by another vehicle. the deputy was driving a clean top squad and the guy who hit him claims he did not see the squad. thats fine if the snow piles were too high but what about the LED lights lighting up the intersection and the siren?

OOps Wrong thread!

SarahB- During my mental health rotation I was taught that heroin withdrawal can cause death. That is why they have Methadone and Suboxone. These medications help with withdrawal and relapse.
http://www.drugaddictiontreatment.info/h....

foofoogirl-It is a sad thing isn't when we can not trust individuals anymore for fear that we may be harmed.

I lived in rural Orfordville in a HUGE house.. it ws nicknamed the "TreeHouse." The house was surronded by trees and far from the road. Because it was an unique house, people would stop in the driveway. Many times I was nervous because at this time, my husband worked late hours. I never knew who was in those cars. I had children.

We still live in a rural area, but we have close neighbors. We are also near the Sheriff's Department. Needless to say, I feel safer now.

EVEBOY_E and spark, I will be surprised if the officer does not get a citation or at minimum be reprimanded for his actions. He only had a right to go through a red light if he could do it safely. It wasn't safe if he got in an accident.

As a tech school instructor of Emergency Vehicle Operations, I suggest you look up Wi. Statute 346.03 subsection 5, states, The exemptions granted the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle by this section do not relieve such operator from the duty to drive or ride with due regard under the circumstances for the safety of all persons nor do they protect such operator from the consequences of his or her reckless disregard for the safety of others.

THis scares me! Being I live out in the MIDDLE OF NO WHERE. My nearest neighbor is over a mile away. I have always been a bit nervous out here in these tough times. We have had a few things happen out here....someone running from the police stold a tractor after he ditched the truck he was in, right off of our property, and got stuck just a bit down the road because it had a planter on the back and wouldn't fit through the bridge he was trying to go through, our barns have been robbed twice, we have had suspicious people parking every morning at the same time meeting at the same place, we have had trespassers on our property looking for antlers and mushrooms the same time I was out there....and it was far enough away that no one would hear me scream, I have come across at least 20 horses in my field that the neighbors that butt up to our back lot let them go to graze, we had a "college recruiter" come back MANY times and finally the last time I yelled out the window we weren't interested and for him to leave NOW....I could go on, but I am never too careful, I call the police whenever I feel something isn't right, and we even had some people go into the ditch one night in front of our house, and I wouldn't even let my husband go out and try to help them. I told him to let them call a recker. Too many crooked people....who take advantage of a person's good will.

GATORGOD....Kennedy road is Milton address just a bit down. So, No they weren't that far away. Mapquest the road, and you will see. Jumping to conclusions again! You know, of the few times I have had to call the police, they have always gotten here within 15-20 minutes. And we live 10 minutes from Orfordville, 10 minutes from Brodhead and 20 minutes from beloit. And it is Rock county that responds. Those are the closest towns to us..........we live in the middle of no where. So, stop saying they take too long to get there. It all depends on the severity of the call....ever think of that?

hers_my_opinion, For your information, I drive a emergency vehicle for a living. I wouldn't be writing this if I didn't know what I was talking about. Have you ever taken EVOC? If you did, you wouldn't be talking like this.

I don't know how EVERY STORY that involves the police has to get fliped around every which way. If you were the one in the emergency situation, wouldn't you want them to respond to you in "EMERGENCY MODE?" or would you sit around on this web site running your mouth about a "poor performance?" ... Be real, you would want them to be fast and effective when coming to YOUR emergency. So let just cut the crap and see the REAL FACTS... The fact is Deputy Ducharme was RESPONDING to an EMERGENCY situation. Traffic needs to pull over to the RIGHT hand side of the road to allow him thru to CONTINUE to his EMERGENCY. When a squad car is involved in a traffic accident with its lights and/or siren on... it is NOT the responding officers fault. I don't care who you think you are, they are given the red/blue lights and siren for a reason... to let you know to get out of the way. People need to relize that just because the schools close and business are closing early due to snow/weather related situation, the law enforcement community does not close. You can still get help regardless of the elements. So maybe instead of bashing the police and always flipping things around to be negative, see the positive and stop with the pathetic comments...

Spark and eveboy- have you ever taken an emergency vehicle operations class? How bout this do you know someone who drives emergency vehicles? Ask them what they were taught about stopping at red lights.........

Thank You,Bellagio.
I'm glad the homeowners were able to escape.
Also, those who can-do. Those who can't-post negative comments about those who can. It's pointless to argue.

You people are total idiots. This is a very alarming story about violent home invasions in suberbia and all you can do is bitch about the responding police. IDIOTS!! And for the rest of you people, arm yourself. It is our responsibilty to protect our family and our homes.

The police are NOT the bad guys here. They are putting thier lives on the line to protect even the scumbags that complain about them.

Does anyone besides me find it very sad that society is having to go toward the policy of NOT being able to help people because of crimes like this? I moved here from California almost 14 years ago, partly because of that attitude in CA...crime is so rampant out there, no one can trust anyone, so people only look out for themselves. Wisconsin was different, but it won't be for long. Because criminals feel they have nothing to fear, partly due to the lax justice system, partly due to homeowners not defending themselves, these types of crimes will rise. I believe in protecting myself with whatever means possible and if that means answering the door with my .357 in my hand, so be it.

I am just wondering what kind of record Deputy DuCharme has? I remember a story involving him last year in which a squad car was totaled! I don't remember all the details other than I am sure it said that he was responding to a call then too. How many accidents do they allow these officers? I agree these stories should have been separated. I hope that it is made public about what the decision is and who is at fault in this accident.

I think a lot of the disputing over break in vs. officer accident could have been avoided if gazette separated the two different stories into individual headlines. The accident was related to the story, but was not necessary information to the home burglary story. I think they both deserved attention, but the home invasion should have been the main focus.

This story is why I am glad I use the Home Alone system of home security. "I'm gonna give you to the count of 10, to get your lying, yellow, no-good keister off my property, before I pump your guts full of lead! 1... 2... 10! {starts unloading bullets} Keep the change ya filthy animal!"

I think that there is something that we are all missing and I truly hope it will come out and be made public at some point! Wouldn't anyone like to hear what the drivers of the two vehicles that were obeying the law had to say? What does "slowed to a near stop" really mean? How much did Deputy DuCharme really slow down? As a whole police officers are very aware of their surroundings and very safe, however there are some young inexperienced officers who feel that that badge on their chest enables them to act like cowboys and do whatever they want and go as fast as they want...Deputy DuCharme???

WOW, what a crazy night for the Sheriff's Department!!!

COME ON PEOPLE, WHO GIVES A CRAP ABOUT THE THE DEPUTY. THERE ARE TWO PEOPLE THAT FEARED FOR THEIR LIVES THURSDAY NIGHT. LETS THINK ABOUT THEM AND HOPE THEY ARE GETTING THROUGH THIS.

Hannah..... AMEN, SISTER!

loveisgood:
you beat beeferererer. nice job!

Sorry. What am I missing. The authorities always tell you to contact them if something seems amiss. Never, ever try to help anybody. Let the authorities take care of everything. THINK.

PHEASANT HUNTER, YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD THERE. I HOPE MORE PEOPLE READ YOUR COMENT AND THINK ABOUT IT. TOO BAD WE FEEL THAT WE HAVE TO OPEN OUR DOOR TO SOMEONE WE DONT KNOW WITH A GUN IN OUR HAND ONLY TO PROTECT OURSELF. THOSE ROBBERS JUST JEPORDISED SOMEONE ELSES LIFE THAT TRULY COULD NEED HELP. WAKE UP MILTON, AND ALL OF US. ITS TIME TO ARM, AND DEFEND OURSELF.

Why would anybody ever let anybody inside, no matter what these days. Just call 911 or the police - and don't worry about it.

officerfriendly1-Your post is rather confusing on how it reads, so I apologize if I read it wrong. It sounds like you were blaming the sheriff that was driving to the scene.

officerfriendly1-So you're calling him a moron and you don't even know what type of lights he had on top of his car? You ever heard a siren before? They're kind of loud. So if you're that dumb, that you can't see it, you can still hear it. Putting peoples lives in danger? Where do you think he was heading? To help someone who's life WAS in danger. You see, all you cop bashers can't even focus on the actual story of someone being robbed because you are too busy cop hating. You are the ones that sound like morons.

Since everyone else is into the "other" story in the story, Doesn't it seem odd that a deputy is sent to the call from so far away? No wonder it takes so long to get help when you need it.

Hannah - so you are saying that with the snow banks this high you stop and yield when the light is green when you are driving?!

Ron: I completely agree with you. I can't even count on ALL my fingers and toes fifteen times how many people do not yield/stop for flashing lights of emergency personnel.

I think the one day (about a month ago) I was at Milton Ave. and Memorial all the smart people were out driving... I'm not lying that all traffic for 1-2 blocks was pulled over and stopped. And I haven't seen it since.

How sad that the the majority of Janesville believe they are exempt from the laws of pulling over for emergency lights!

Was the squad involved one of the new ones without a light bar on the roof? "Clean tops" are not seen as well as squads with light bars, especially at this time of year when the snow banks pile up. It's cheaper to equip a "clean top" than it is for a light bar. Too bad they can't issue a citation to the sheriff for being a moron and putting peoples lives in danger to save a few bucks.

If the person that hit the squad car did not hear or see him or what was going on with others around him. It was probably a cell phone violation.....once again!

pheasanthunter-You are so right. You should 100% be able to defend yourself in any way, shape or form in your own home. It's an absolute joke! Defend the bag guys, while the good guys suffer. What the hell!

For all those who think that the Deputy should receive a ticket: Shut up cuz I am sure if you were the one tied up at gun point, I am pretty sure you'd want the cops there ASAP. Guess what, red/blue lights + siren = yield to the emergency vehicle. 11 p.m. at night, you can not tell me that the other motorists did not see the bright lights in the dark. I think the other two should ticketed if anyone. Because they failed to yield to an emergency vehicle, this deputy was unable to respond and was not only no help to the poor couple tied up, but he was just another emergency to respond to. I can't even tell you how many times I have seen people fail to yield to fire trucks and ambulances. I guess its different if its a squad car. Sounds to me that the Deputy entered the intersection with "Due Reguard" Hope for a full, fast recovery Dep. DuCharmme!

Join the NRA! The Bowers Lake Road incident is a perfect example. Obama voted in favor of prosecuting homeowners who use a firearm to defend themselves in just these types of situations. It is sad we can't help people even in weather like this, but if I were rural and someone came to our door like this, I would call for them and have them wait in a barn or garage. The bad guys can have guns but the good guys aren't supposed to. Just wait until Pelosi, Feinstein, Boxer, Schumer, Kerry, and Kennedy find their voices in the new administration and new Congress. God help us.

Not to mention, you contradict yourself. The article says, the officer slowed to a near stop which, according to you, is what he was suppose to do. Two vehicles yielded and then he was hit by another after proceeding. If other vehicles are yielding, how can someone else not see what is going on unless they are not paying attention?

heres_my_opinion, you are wrong. Emergency vehicles do have right to run red lights if it means doing so in the course of the duties in an emergency situation. If people are gonna disregard all oher traffic because they have the green light, thats inattentive driving and fail to yield for an emergency vehicle. And if people are gonna say they cannot see those super bright lights or hear that loud siren, then they are inattentive driving.

By the way, the only reason you wouldn't see our hear sirens and lights is if you have your radio up too loud, you're blind, or you're deaf. That's the only reasons.

heres_my_opinion-You're joking right? You really don't believe that emergency vehicles are suppose to stop at red lights do you? If the officer went through the red light with his sirens on, he was not at fault, he was doing what they're suppose to do. It was merely an accident.

You people are all ignorant to the fact that all emergency vehicles do not have a RIGHT to disobey traffic laws! This is a PRIVLEGE that is to only be used if you can keep the public safe. If the officer went through a red light and was hit, regardless of whether or not he had on lights and siren, he is still at fault! Should the other person have stopped? Yes, but who are we to say he heard or saw the police officer?

Does anyone know who got robbed or where on Bowers Lake rd it was?

There is no way anyone should be found "at fault" in that car incident.
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THAT was an "accident"
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rexkramer, thank you!! Cops are there to protect people when they need it. sometimes they are required and ALLOWED to exceed the speed limit to protect thoses who need help. People at the lights who "fail" to see them or simply don't want to get beat at a light get hit and whine and cry that the cop was at fault. Here's an idea, when you her sirens or see lights, get out of the way or stop like you are supposed to. Let them do their job without getting bashed.

Scary to think something like this happened in Milton. As far as the driver who hit the cop car goes, it is possible with the snow banks being so high that he didn't see the approaching cop..just a thought

Some of you are really ignorant. How is the cop at fault here?

Rexkramer - what were you doing in court? Maybe you deserved it. Stay out of trouble and you won't have to worry about police supposedly "lieing" on the stand.

"EVEBOY_E, WHAT!! you think cops are above the law, that they can do no wrong? Think again. I had a cop lie on the stand in front of the judge and then snicker at me as he walked by."

Nobody has said their above the law but folks like you can't see past your own bitterness toward cops, (because of course its their fault that you've made mistakes in your life), to realize that these people are required to drive in an emergency mode in crappy road conditions. Here's to hoping that the next time you need the cops in a real emergency they take it nice and slow, we wouldn't want one of them to get into an accident and be "above the law" now would we. Go take your pity party elsewhere because I for one have read enough of this kind of drivel from folks like you with your "my life's a mess because a cop lied" b.s., boo hoo, take some ownership for your own decisions instead of blaming everyone else.

Now, with that said, here's to hoping the comments can get back on track to the real point of the story, the home invasion, instead of cop bashing. Then again, this is Gazettextra so I'm sure I'm hoping for far too much.

Way to stay on the subject.

I thought this story was about a home invasion??

I know for a fact that most of the "cop haters" that post on these pages wouldn't be saying the things they do if they actually had to post their real names.....

Somehow most of the folks here decided to focus on the deputy's accident instead of the actual story. I hope, since the article said they guys fled on foot, that the suspects are laying out in the woods out there frozen to the ground. To take advantage of people who offer you the warmth of their home thinking your vehicle broke down is dispicable. I hope, if they got away, that they are caught soon and put where they belong.

And i meant remember.......

Being an emergency resonder myself I believe the officer is at fault here. When driving with lights and sirens activated you have the privilege not the right to disobey traffic laws. As for him not stopping at the light an emergency responder must always be able to come to a COMPLETE stop at a red light or stop sign. Especially when there are cars coming. Sadly in this day and age most people do not stop for emergency vehicles. There is a saying that goes No one will remeber if you get to the scene 30 secs late.........Everyone will remeber if you never make it at all.

Please slow down . There I said it for you
beeferer !

EVEBOY_E, WHAT!! you think cops are above the law, that they can do no wrong? Think again. I had a cop lie on the stand in front of the judge and then snicker at me as he walked by.

I think it's obvious that Badgerlvr was being facetious. And the plan worked! Look at you- all worked up over a tongue-in-cheek comment. too funny!

i was ticketed for a 'failure to yield to an emergency vehicle' one time as an ambulance with NO SIREN ON ran a red light and hit my car. the ambulance driver was ticketed for running the light. no fault accident.

I definitely agree with atbrown7...when you see and/or hear sirens...stop and yield for the emergency vehicle...even if I do not see the sirens and I hear them, I look to find them because I know they are coming from somewhere...especially at a stop light!!!

Giving the deputy a ticket?? That is the most ignorant thing I've ever heard. They give the police those little red/blue lights for that reason. When the lights and sirens are activated, the police are allowed to break the traffic laws to get where they need to go in a hurry. Have some common sense and think before you write something like that.

Perhaps he is at fault for the accident. I don't know how it works when you fail to yield to an emergency vehicle. But nothing in the report indicates that he was driving too fast for conditions. He slowed to a near stop and then, as he proceeded through the intersection he was struck by another vehicle which, I assume, had the green light. That may be a red light violation but not too fast for conditions.

Good one Badgerlvr, I agree.

You've got to be kidding, right Badgerlvr? He slowed to a near stop and had lights and sirens on. People should be paying attention to emergency vehicles. If that was your house, you'd want help to get their ASAP and probably would complain about the few minutes it would take for them to get to you to track down the criminals!

Shouldn't the deputy get a ticket for driving too fast for conditions??????