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Adams County man charged with shooting at deputies to see if case will go to trial
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Adams County man charged with shooting at deputies to see if case will go to trial

BIG FLATS, Wis. (WSAW) – The 45-year-old Friendship man accused of shooting at officers, who returned fire, will appear in Adams County Circuit Court on Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. A judge is expected to rule on whether there is enough evidence for Melvin Cornelius to go to trial.

He is charged with five counts, including attempted first-degree intentional homicide and pointing a firearm at authorities. He remains in the Adams County Jail on $50,000 cash bail.

Investigators said that on June 29, Cornelius called 911 and said he was using methamphetamine and driving in Big Flats. Court documents state he told the dispatch operator, “There’s no way I’m going down with my guns and drugs.”

Officers located Cornelius and attempted to stop his vehicle. A chase began. Investigators said at one point, Cornelius stopped, got out and fired his gun at the officers. A deputy returned fire and struck Cornelius.

Court documents state Cornelius said he fired his gun so officers would end his life. Corneilus was injured and received medical attention while at the scene and was taken to the hospital.

The hearing began at 9:45 am.