Colby-Abbotsford Police Department

10/03/2026

Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co workers of Trooper Ritger.

It is with profound sadness that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin State Patrol announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Bradley Ritger at the age of 29.

On September 21, 2026, Trooper Ritger was responding to a traffic pursuit when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck west of the Dunn County/Eau Claire County line. As he moved to a position of cover, he fell from the bridge onto the roadway below. Despite lifesaving efforts and critical medical care, Trooper Ritger succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2026.

Trooper Ritger joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a member of the 67th Recruit Class. He served in the Northwest Region for nearly five years, primarily in the Dunn County area. During his career, he attained certifications as a general law enforcement instructor, mobile field force team member and squad leader, and salvage vehicle inspector. Prior to his service with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Trooper Ritger served with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for three years.

Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Ritger’s family, friends, loved ones and all who served alongside him. As the community mourns, the Wisconsin State Patrol has placed a law enforcement memorial vehicle at its Northwest Region Post in Eau Claire where the public is welcome to drop off cards, flowers, or other condolences.

Out of respect for the family, no additional information will be shared at this time. Funeral arrangements are being made by the family. We kindly ask media and the public to respect their privacy and space for grieving.

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

Maybe this is the lucky one.
Are you waiting til the last minute? We have tickets available. The police department will be selling raffle tickets until 5:00. Stop in.

09/14/2026

Today’s the final day to get your tickets! Is this one your lucky ticket? Stop by before it’s gone.

Drawing at 5pm at the police department.

09/11/2026

A day we will never forget.

09/10/2026

Not many days til the drawing. Buy your tickets before it’s too late. $25 each, only 500 will be sold.
Drawing is Monday, September 14th at 5pm.
We will be Facebook Live for the drawing.

09/02/2026

City of Colby, WI (August 30, 2026) The Colby-Abbotsford Police Department became aware at approximately 2:27 am, of a possible fight at a bar out of jurisdiction in Marathon County. Marathon County Deputies responded to that bar. Dispatch also received a 911 call about an injured party who was enroute in a private vehicle to the hospital with serious injuries sustained in the fight. It was determined by Deputies the fight did not occur at the Marathon County bar but at a bar located in the City of Colby, Clark County. The reporting party and witnesses were at the Marathon County bar reporting the incident which occurred earlier in Colby. No emergency calls were made by individuals witnessing or involved in the fight at the time of the fight.
An Officer responded to the El Derby Bar in Colby and an Officer also responded to the hospital with the injured male. Through investigation, review of surveillance videos and other video provided to Officers, the initial fight involving several individuals occurred inside the bar at approximately 1:56 am. Individuals moved outside of the bar where fighting continued between several individuals. In the video a male approached another male and struck the male on the side of their face/neck with what was determined to be a sharp object in his hand, causing serious injury.
Officers investigated the incident and determined the identity of individuals involved in the fight. Officers were able to identify the male who caused the serious injury.
Colby-Abbotsford Police Department officers collected evidence, took photographs, conducted interviews and viewed videos during the investigation. On August 31, 2026, a Colby-Abbotsford Police Officer coordinated with the Medford Police Department to arrest the suspect involved in the serious injury. The suspect was not at his residence at the time of Medford Police Department initial attempt to make contact. Later, the suspect came to the Medford Police Department on his own. Medford Police Officers detained the suspect and transferred custody to a Colby-Abbotsford Police Officer. The Colby-Abbotsford Police Officer interviewed the suspect and placed him under arrest. The suspect was transported to the Clark County Jail.
The suspect, Luis A. Calderon Ortiz, 33, of Medford was charged with Aggravated battery – Sub. Risk Great Bodily Harm, Disorderly Conduct and Use of a Dangerous Weapon.
Additional charges may be filed against other individuals involved in the incident. This investigation is ongoing.
Calderon Ortiz will have his initial appearance on October 6, 2026 in Clark County.
This is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the general public.
No additional information will be released at this time.
The Colby-Abbotsford Police Department was assisted in this investigations by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, Taylor County Sheriff’s office and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Alex Bowman
Chief of Police
Colby-Abbotsford Police Department

09/01/2026

Welcome back to school!
Our SROs and Maple are officially back in school. We are wishing our SROs, teachers, students, staff and families a fantastic school year!

08/27/2026

ATTN: Online Fraud Alert

A local business owner has reported that a fraudulent website has been created impersonating their business. Scammers have created a website masking themselves as "Leon Shirk Equipment," and have attempted to defraud several citizens for several thousands of dollars. This site is not legitimate. Leon Shirk Equipment does not host any website, nor have any social media accounts. This online scam is becoming a popular way for scammers to utilize generative artificial intelligence to create a "real-looking" or "authentic" looking website. These scammers are often outside of the United States operating in East Asia and/or Africa.

To conduct business with the real Leon Shirk Equipment, you can visit their business at N14725 Badger Avenue, or call them directly at: 715-223-2239.

The photo below this post is what the fraudulent website looks like. Our office will be utilizing resources to assist in taking this website down as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact Detective Dylan Baxter at: 715-743-5357.

08/25/2026

🚘HOW TO get your car and/or valuables in your car stolen🚘
1)Leave your doors unlocked
2)Leave your keys in the ignition
3)Leave your keys in the ignition with the doors unlocked
4)Leave a set of car keys visible OR not visible in your car
5)Leave your engine running while unattended
6)Leave your engine running with doors unlocked while unattended
7)Leave valuables in plain sight. Make sure your purse, wallet, laptop, wad of money and phone are out in the open (while door is unlocked…)
8)Park in a dark, hidden or secluded area
9)Leave your windows a little open or all the way open
While doing any of the previous 9, leave your signed title in the glove box. Might as well leave a MV1 title application too with the vehicle info filled out to be nice.