Shooter Kills Himself As Police Close In

"PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI — A Salem man killed himself in Racine Tuesday night shortly after he reportedly shot the man dating his ex-wife in Pleasant Prairie.

"Michael L. Darracott, 44, of Pleasant Prairie, was shot multiple times in the head and chest at his home Tuesday night by his girlfriend’s ex-husband, Dean L. Knudtson, 42, of Salem, according to Pleasant Prairie Deputy Police Chief Dave Mogensen.

"Police responded to the residence, 9227 Cooper Road, at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. Pleasant Prairie rescue personnel took Darracott to St. Catherine’s Medical Center, but due to the serious nature of his injuries, he was then flown to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa by Flight for Life, police said.

"Darracott remained critical condition at Froedtert Wednesday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

"Mogensen said Darracott was dating Knudtson’s ex-wife and had been for some time.

"Knudtson was found shortly after the incident at Pritchard Park near Durand Avenue and Ohio Street in Racine. He called 911 advising authorities of his location and what he did.

"Sheriff’s deputies, Racine police and Mount Pleasant police responded to the area near Knudtson’s vehicle. They heard a gun shot and saw a muzzle flash from the interior of the vehicle, reports said.

"As responding officers approached the suspect’s vehicle, Knudtson was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Rescue personnel was called, but Knudtson was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police."

From Kenosha News...