By Brandi Makuski

Officials from Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office have confirmed an officer- involved shooting at the home of a deputy on Easlan Drive in Plover.

According to witness statements, Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Gischia arrived home with his fiance early Saturday to find an intruder in the residence. The intruder allegedly had poured a flammable substance- possibly gasoline- around Gischia’s home. A struggle ensued and Gischia was forced to fire his weapon at the intruder, who has been identified as 30 year-old man from Stevens Point. The intruder was was allegedly a former boyfriend of Gischia’s fiance who was stalking her but his identity has not been released.

Whether Gischia used his service weapon or a personal firearm is not known.

Portage Co. Coroner Scott Rifleman accompanied the body of the intruder, who was pronounced dead on the scene, to Madison on Saturday where as autopsy will be performed.

“We can confirm Athony Gischia was involved in an off-duty shooting this morning,” said Chief Deputy Dan Kontos Saturday afternoon. “Per our policy we are stepping back from the investigation and letting the folks at Department of Justice handle the investigation, something they do very well.”

Kontos added the Sheriff’s Office would begin an internal administrative investigation on Monday. He said Gischia was not seriously injured during the struggle.

Officials from the Dept. of Justice took over the crime scene early Saturday.