A $1 million cash bond has been set for Matthew Novak, the 37-year-old Fredonia man accused of engaging in a 38-hour standoff with law enforcement earlier this month. During his first court appearance yesterday, Novak's behavior was erratic, with reports of him clapping, dancing, and making gestures, according to WISN. He is currently being held at Ozaukee County Jail.
The standoff began around 10:30 p.m. on May 8, prompting the shutdown of several streets in the vicinity of Novak's residence, reported by CBS 58. Authorities were alerted to the situation after neighbors heard gunfire, and contact with Novak was established by phone. He communicated to officers his intent to continue to play music loudly and fire weapons, threatening to shoot anyone approaching his home. During the standoff, neighbors were instructed to shelter in place due to the presence of "high-powered" weaponry, as mentioned on WISN.
Novak faces six charges including second-degree recklessly endangering safety and battery or threat to law enforcement, as outlined by CBS 58. His court-appointed attorney, Benjamin Lindsay, remarked on the fear his release could prompt in the community, with residents already having experienced over a day of apprehension wondering if bullets would penetrate their homes' walls. Novak claimed during the incident to be on LSD, cocaine, and marijuana, and according to law enforcement, also fired at pictures of governors in his backyard during the ordeal.
Following the standoff, Novak surrendered peacefully and was taken for a mental health evaluation. Investigators later recovered an arsenal from Novak’s residence, which included firearms, ammunition, and advanced optics like night vision goggles and thermal equipment, WISN reported. The next step in the legal process will be a court hearing on June 10, at which time a doctor’s report on Novak’s competency is expected, as FOX6 Now disclosed. If convicted of the charges, Novak could potentially serve up to 10 years in prison.
