Crime
UW-Platteville shelter in place lifted, no active threat
This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals.
Latest Update: In an email to the campus community, Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich identified the students as 22-year-old Kelsie Martin of Beloit, Wisconsin, and 22-year-old Hallie Helms of Baraboo, Wisconsin.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of two UW-Platteville students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms. This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified,” Chancellor Evetovich stated.
The incident occurred inside Wilgus Hall, a campus residence facility. UW-Platteville and local law enforcement have not yet released further details about the nature of the incident, but authorities have confirmed that it remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Officials have emphasized that there is no continuing threat to the campus community.
According to a post on Wilgus Hall’s official Facebook page, Kelsie Martin had graduated just two days prior and served as a resident director in 2024.
In response to the tragedy, the university has made mental health resources available for students and staff. UW-Platteville’s Counseling Services will offer triage counseling sessions Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, a toll-free emotional support line is available at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004, staffed by licensed mental health professionals. The hotline will remain open overnight and will adjust its hours based on campus needs.
The university community continues to grieve as it seeks answers surrounding this devastating loss.
The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and law enforcement has confirmed there is no active threat. However, emergency responders remain on scene, and the public is advised to continue avoiding the area around Wilgus Hall.
A UW-Platteville spokesperson stated via text that “an incident occurred in one of our residence halls.” Although the active threat has been ruled out, authorities are continuing to systematically clear buildings across campus as a precaution.
Grant County coroner called to scene.
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — An emergency situation unfolded Monday afternoon at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, prompting a shelter-in-place order for students, faculty, and staff.
The nature of the incident remains unclear, though multiple unconfirmed reports suggest a possible active shooter on campus.
Students and staff received an emergency alert via mobile devices instructing them to immediately shelter in place and avoid the campus area.
The alert, distributed through the university’s emergency notification system, advised individuals to remain indoors, lock doors, and await further instructions from authorities.
The Platteville Police Department has confirmed that officers have responded to the university and are currently on scene.
As of this time, there has been no official confirmation from law enforcement regarding the presence of an active shooter or any confirmed injuries.
Emily Mlinar reported that her sister is currently on campus. The initial emergency call indicated a student had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting up to three possible casualties.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the situation, and university officials are working closely with emergency personnel to ensure the safety of the campus community.
The University of Wisconsin–Platteville has urged anyone not already on campus to stay away until the all-clear is given.
Additional updates are expected to be provided as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Platteville Police Department immediately.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.