La Crosse Police Respond to Incident on Southside.
Published on August 18, 2026
On Monday, August 17, 2026, at approximately 10:27 p.m. La Crosse Police were dispatched to the 5200 Block of 33rd Street South for a shooting. No one was injured during the incident. Upon officers’ arrival, it was learned the suspect vehicle, with four occupants, including Brandon L. Stansell (05/29/97) and Joseph S. Bechtel (04/21/98) were following another vehicle because they believed the vehicle was being operated recklessly. The vehicle being followed was occupied by teenagers. When the teenagers realized a vehicle was following them, one of them called their parent on the phone who was at the residence on 33rd Street.
Upon arriving at the residence, they pulled into the driveway and the suspect vehicle pulled in behind them. The parent of one of the occupants walked outside to ask why the suspects were following their child. Mr. Stansell and Mr. Bechtel, exited the vehicle and an argument ensued. Mr. Bechtel removed a gun from his waistband and the parent, tried to take the gun away from Mr. Bechtel. While fighting over the gun, Mr. Bechtel shot the firearm but did not hit anyone. Mr. Stansell then tackled the parent to the ground, and he along with Mr. Bechtel, and the two other occupants, from the suspect vehicle, left the scene.
Officers located the suspect vehicle in the 4300 Block of Mormon Coulee Road and conducted a high-risk traffic stop. Mr. Bechtel and Mr. Stansell were arrested and transported to the La Crosse County Jail.
They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ARRESTED:
Joseph S. Bechtel (04/21/98)
CHARGES:
First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety 941.30(1)
Misdemeanor Bail Jumping 946.49(1)(A)
Operate/Go Armed With Firearm-Intoxicated 941.20(1)(B)
Disorderly Conduct While Armed While Armed 947.01(2)
ARRESTED:
Brandon L. Stansell (05/29/97)
CHARGES:
First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety - Party to a Crime 941.30(1)