Appleton officers cleared in August shooting death

Appleton, WI — Appleton Police officers involved in the August 12, 2022 shooting death of an armed man are now cleared in that case. Officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of North Birchwood Avenue for a call of a domestic disturbance. Officers encountered Daniel Pesavanto who was suffering a mental health crisis and was brandishing a firearm. After repeated requests from officers to drop his handgun, officers opened fire on Pesavanto, striking him five times. Officers began life-saving measures before Pesavanto was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead. Outagamie County District Attorney Melinda Tempelis reviewed the Department of Justice’s report on the incident and determined that the shooting was justified. Those officers will be returned to duty immediately.