Man charged with cutting deputy with kitchen knife during arrest

Kenneth Harter of Fredonia is facing first-degree recklessly endangering safety charge

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Kenneth Harter of Fredonia is facing first-degree recklessly endangering safety charge

Prosecutors have filed charges against Kenneth Harter of Fredonia following an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning.

According to online court records, the 57-year-old has been charged with battery to a law enforcement officer as well as first-degree recklessly endangering safety, both are felonies.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice said Ozaukee County Sheriff's deputies were executing a search warrant for internet crimes against children at a home on Pioneer Drive and County Road E at 7:25 a.m. Wednesday when a "struggle ensued" during an arrest.

According to the criminal complaint filed Thursday, a deputy and two detectives were met by Harter and his mother at the front door. After one detective displayed his badge, Harter retreated into the kitchen where he "seized a knife and held it over his head in a threatening manner while near the officers."

The complaint stated, "The detectives then attempted to secure the knife to prevent harm to themselves, or self-harm to Harter, and during the struggle shots were fired striking Harter."

As of Wednesday night, Harter was at a local hospital in serious condition.

One detective on the scene was cut by the knife during the struggle but was expected to be OK. Authorities said they recovered a knife with a 12-inch blade at the scene.

The deputy who opened fire has been placed on administrative duty, per department policy.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation.