CHILD ABUSE ALLEGATIONS LED TO SHOOTOUT WITH DEPUTIES

By Miriam Raftery

September 25, 2012 (Lakeside) – Two Sheriff’s deputies have undergone surgery after they were shot by a man suspected of child abuse, Captain Duncan Fraser said.  The suspect also suffered wounds, though it is unclear whether they were self-inflicted or if he was shot by deputies.

All three were transported to hospitals and details of their condition has not been released.Authorities have not yet identified the deputies or the suspect.However a woman who said she was the suspect’s girlfriend told media that she found pornographic photos of her boyfriend, Dan Witczak, 30, with one of her two young daughters, 6 and 8. 

KOGO News reported that the woman said she took the children to a friend’s for safety, then notified authorities. She reportedly made a cell phone call to Witczak to confront him over his actions, with investigators listening in.

When deputies approached him, shots rang out.  The shootings prompted a massive law enforcement response as well as a lock-down of two schools nearby.  ECM readers reported seeing “dozens” of law enforcement vehicles racing to the scene after an “officer down” report went out. 

In response to the shootings, American Red Cross disaster workers have opened a shelter for those displaced. The shelter is located at Lakeside Community Center – 9841 Vine St.

The Red Cross shelter is providing for the immediate needs of those affected, including a safe place to stay, food and clothing, emotional support and health services. 

The Red Cross is also providing canteen services at Lindo Lake Park in Lakeside.  Red Cross canteen services are not well known to the public, but are an essential support service for firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency personnel at the scene of an incident.  Red Cross canteens allow responders to concentrate on service delivery while relying on the Red Cross’s support in the form of meals, hydration, and personal toiletries and supplies.