STURGEON BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A 35-year-old Door County man faces attempted homicide charges against multiple police officers and numerous others relating to a standoff incident in October 2025.
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A criminal complaint against Manuel Alonzo Lara Ponce laid out the following charges, with potential sentences if convicted:
- Attempted First-Degree Intentional Homicide—five counts
- Class B Felony, up to 60 years in prison
- First-Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety—six counts
- Class F Felony, up to 12.5 years in prison and/or $25,000 in fines
- Felony Criminal Damage to Property
- Class I Felony, up to 3.5 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines
- Possession of Cocaine
- Misdemeanor, up to one year in county jail and up to $5,000 in fines
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Misdemeanor, up to 30 days in prison and/or $500 in fines
The incident was reported just before 1 a.m. on October 2, 2025, in Nasewaupee, when multiple 911 calls were made with no responses, until a man called back again and repeated his address without answering questions.
Multiple Door County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the scene of 6443 County Highway C, with Sturgeon Bay Police Officers joining the response efforts. Deputies arrived around 1:15 a.m. and heard multiple popping sounds, according to the complaint.
Officers reported multiple gunshot noises inside the home, prompting responders to take cover with their weapons throughout the entire incident.
Officials say Lara Ponce kept firing shots throughout the area, as the complaint mentioned multiple bullet holes through windows and broken glass across the driveway. A person at the scene advised that his employer, Lara Ponce, was highly intoxicated with multiple guns inside.
According to the complaint, Lara Ponce confirmed that his 8-year-old daughter was inside, and admitted he was afraid law enforcement would kill him, asking not to be killed in front of his daughter.
Lara Ponce surrendered himself to police around 2:49 a.m. outside, allegedly soaked in sweat and asking police to shoot him multiple times. Officials say Lara Ponce’s daughter was upset and crying as her father was firing gunshots from her bedroom while she hid in a closet.
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Lara Ponce claimed that he had multiple drinks that night and his employee at the scene drugged him with something in his drink, also saying he started shooting because he saw a person outside with a black hoodie on.
Local 5 will provide updates as needed.
