OCONTO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The suspect in the shooting of an Oconto Falls police officer refused to appear in court Thursday for a hearing on her mental state.
Alisha Kocken is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide and other counts for the confrontation last week with Officer Nicole Blaskowski.
There are now two active cases with Kocken: the criminal case and a mental commitment case.
For the latter, a hearing was held Thursday. Kocken had already been transported to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in advance of Thursday’s hearing, but declined to participate. At one point, an empty chair from WMHI was shown on a screen in court.
Oconto County Sheriff’s Deputy Nick School testified Thursday Kocken was combative with jail staff and sometimes incoherent. Believing her conduct to be potentially dangerous, he filed for an emergency detention shortly after her arrest, and had her transported
Judge Jay Conley ruled there is probable cause for the emergency detention and psychiatric treatment, confirming School’s action. The case resumes with a hearing Aug. 20, when additional psychiatric evaluation is expected to be reviewed.
As for the criminal case, it is on hold pending the mental detention proceeding. Kocken has not made an initial appearance yet.
In the criminal file, Kocken’s attorney also raised concerns about Kocken’s competency, that is, her ability to comprehend the court proceedings and assist in her own defense. Typically, a psychiatric competency review would be ordered, but the issue has not been addressed yet in court.
Kocken was charged after an incident where police were called to an Oconto Falls home. There was a physical confrontation between Kocken and Officer Blaskowski. At one point, Kocken allegedly grabbed Blaskowski’s gun and shot the officer in the head. She has since been released from the hospital.
