Appleton man killed in police shooting

APPLETON - An Appleton man is dead, after being shot by two police officers early Wednesday morning.

Appleton Police Chief David Walsh says the officers opened fire on 35-year-old Armando Aponte after Aponte charged the men with two swords.

"Fearing their lives were in immediate danger, two of the officers fire several rounds at Aponte to stop his attack," said Walsh.

Officers were called to Aponte's home, 11 Hollyhock Ct., around 2:30 a.m. to investigate a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they found Aponte armed with the swords.

Walsh said the officers tried repeatedly to try to negotiate with Aponte to drop the weapons.

"This was a significant and tragic event on many levels. This is the first fatal use of force by Appleton Police officers in 24 years," said Walsh.

The two officers involved in the shooting have been identified as Lt. Carlos del Plaine and Officer Joseph Lidbury. Del Plaine has been with the department since 1985 and Lidbury since 2002.

Del Plaine and Lidbury have been placed on paid administrative leave while the criminal investigation is completed.

"This is a routine action and is part of our normal policy for this sort of incident," said Walsh.

The investigation into the incident will be handled by the Green Bay Police Department.  Walsh said it is the department's policy to bring in an outside agency to investigate any officer involved critical incidents.