A 32-year-old Wisconsin man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he threatened to blow up his own house and launched a barrage of household items—including knives—at police officers during an hours-long standoff in the Milwaukee suburb of Whitefish Bay.
Background
Zachary Fink was living at a residence near the intersection of East Hampton Road and North Berkeley Boulevard when neighbors reported him making gun gestures with his hands and threatening to shoot people, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Fox affiliate WITI. The incident unfolded on June 22, beginning around 5 p.m. when officers responded to calls about the man's increasingly erratic behavior.
Once authorities arrived on scene, Fink allegedly barricaded himself inside the residence, prompting law enforcement to establish a perimeter and deploy crisis negotiators. What followed was an unusual text message exchange between the defendant and sheriff's deputies that revealed the escalating nature of his threats.
The Investigation
According to prosecutors, Fink sent a series of threatening messages during the standoff, including: "I'll blow up the house rn give me the cigs as I asked" and "I'll stab y'all don't play games. I'm sick of getting picked on." The texts painted a picture of a volatile suspect with little regard for consequences.
Around 9:45 p.m., Fink walked out the front door holding a knife in his hand. An officer deployed a 40mm less-lethal foam round at the defendant, but the projectile missed its target. Undeterred, Fink allegedly threw two knives at squad cars parked approximately 20 to 30 feet away—though both weapons landed on the ground roughly 10 feet from where officers had taken cover behind their vehicles.
The confrontation continued when Fink punched a bathroom mirror and hurled shards of shattered glass out the front door before retreating back inside. For the next 15 minutes, authorities reported hearing loud crashes and additional shattering sounds consistent with the defendant destroying objects within the residence.
Fink finally exited the home around 10 p.m., approaching law enforcement in what police described as an "aggressive manner" before being taken into custody. A subsequent search of the property revealed extensive damage throughout the interior and exterior, including broken plates, a shattered glass table, and cabinet pieces scattered across the scene.
The Charges
Fink faces five charges stemming from the incident: failure to comply with an officer's attempt to take a person into custody, obstructing an officer, disorderly conduct, use of a dangerous weapon, and bail jumping. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office filed the complaint in connection with the Whitefish Bay Police Department's investigation.
During a June 28 hearing, a judge determined Fink is not competent to proceed to trial at this time. Court records indicate he has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation before any further proceedings can move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Zachary Fink, 32, was arrested following a nearly five-hour standoff in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin on June 22
- Officers say the defendant sent threatening text messages including "I'll blow up the house" and statements about being "sick of getting picked on"
- The suspect allegedly threw two knives at police vehicles and destroyed property inside his residence during the confrontation
- A judge found Fink incompetent to proceed during a June 28 hearing, ordering a mental health evaluation
- Fink is currently detained with an upcoming court date scheduled for August 5
What's Next
Fink is slated to appear in court on August 5, when a judge will consider the results of his court-ordered mental health evaluation. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they intend to pursue additional charges related to the property damage or the alleged threats made during the standoff. The Whitefish Bay Police Department continues its investigation into the incident.