Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre has determined that Two Rivers Police Officer Dakota Gamez, a three year veteran of the force, was justified in his actions when he shot and killed Nash W. Fiske of Green Bay during a traffic stop.
Fiske was a passenger in a car driven by 31-year-old William Tyler Langrick of Menasha when officers pulled him over on Washington Street the evening of November 4th. LaBre stated in a report that Fiske would not make eye contact with Officer Gamez and that his eyes were low and drooping. Fiske was difficult to understand and was asked to repeat himself multiple times. While asking for information from the driver, Officer Gamez noticed the smell of marijuana. The driver admitted to smoking marijuana in the vehicle recently. Officer Gamez then requested a cover officer.
After a request from officers, Langrick stepped out of the vehicle. He was searched, evidence was found and he was asked to sit on a curb. According to the report, Fiske’s demeanor significantly changed and he was less willing to engage with officers. Officer Gamez asked Fiske to exit the vehicle. The passenger door was opened, Fiske turned his hips and torso and reached near his left leg, at this time Officer Gamez saw a black handgun. The report states that Fiske manipulated the handgun which he possessed in his hand. Fearing for his life and the life of the other officer, Gamez fired at Fiske where despite lifesaving efforts he died from multiple gunshot wounds at the hospital. The handgun that Fiske possessed was found loaded and laying outside the vehicle on the ground.
LaBre concluded that the facts presented demonstrate that Officer Gamez acted in a manner consistent with the law and consistent with his training as a law enforcement officer and therefore his conduct was legal.
A search of Langrick’s car turned up 558 grams of marijuana in glass jars plus additional pot inside the vehicle. He is facing multiple drug charges.
Gamez was on paid administrative leave during the investigation.
