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+-- Category: My Taylor County (https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/forum-22.html)
+--- Category: News: Taylor County (https://www.mynorthernwisconsin.com/news/forum-30.html)
+--- Topic: TAYLOR COUNTY: ALLEGED ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING RESULTS IN ARREST - UPDATED 5/1/26 (/thread-813.html)
TAYLOR COUNTY: ALLEGED ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING RESULTS IN ARREST - UPDATED 5/1/26 - My Northern Wisconsin - 05-01-2026
At approximately 8:49 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting an adult male subject had been accidentally shot. The incident happened at a home on County Road E in the Town of Little Black. Taylor County deputies, along with Taylor County EMS, were dispatched to the scene.
According to the sheriff's office, "Upon arrival, deputies located an unresponsive male subject lying in the yard and immediately began life saving measures. The male was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
"Upon follow-up investigation, an adult male was arrested and subsequently booked into the Taylor County Jail."
Authorities state there is no threat to the public.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by The Wisconsin Department of Justice (WI DOJ), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Taylor County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Taylor County District Attorney’s Office.
UPDATE: 5-1-2026
The male victim, from Medford, Wisconsin, has been identified as 21-year-old Austin Olson.
The adult male who was taken into custody on April 29, 2026 is 19-year-old Brent Porter of Marshfield, Wisconsin.
According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, "Brent was brought before the Taylor County Circuit Court for a bond hearing on the charge of Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon - Armed While Intoxicated and was placed on a $5,000 cash bond, which was later posted.
"As a result of further investigative efforts, including but not limited to additional interviews of witnesses and analyzing evidence (both digital and physical), Brent Porter was taken into custody on the felony charge of 1st Degree Reckless Homicide and subsequently transported to the Taylor County Jail.
"Due to the complex nature of these types of investigations and the necessity to maintain the integrity of a criminal investigation, certain details cannot be released during this process. We understand that although this may be frustrating for some members of the public, please trust this process and know that justice for the victim’s family is our main priority, along with the overall safety and security of our community.
"Additionally, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased."