Warsaw Woman Charged In Connection With Shooting Of Two Officers
News Release
SOUTH BEND — A Warsaw woman has been charged in connection with the shooting of two Wisconsin police officers.
Heather Bentley, 35, was charged in a criminal complaint with making false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, Bentley purchased three firearms on Nov. 4. When she purchased the firearms, she certified that she was the actual buyer. However, it is alleged that other individuals had given her over $1,500 to purchase the firearms.
Bentley indicated during a later interview that two people, who she knew to be felons, had asked her to buy guns because they were fleeing from the police. Bentley allegedly provided all three firearms to those individuals.
Two days later, on Nov. 6, two police officers in Delafield, Wis., responded to a call for service. Those officers encountered these same two individuals, one of whom shot both of the police officers. Both individuals were arrested in Wisconsin.
“The charges in this case allege the defendant made a straw purchase, which is when a person acquires a firearm from a federal firearms licensee for someone else, who is either ineligible to purchase the firearm or wishes to conceal their identity,” said ATF Special Agent in charge, Kristen de Tineo of the Chicago Field Division. “ATF will continue to investigate these serious violations, which put not only the community at risk, but, as illustrated in this complaint, law enforcement as well.”
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Delafield, Wis. Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly Donnelly.