Adams County man accused of shooting at deputies to find out if case goes to trial

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

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

Investigators said Cornelius called 911 on June 29 and said he was using meth and driving in Big Flats. Court documents say he told the 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 officers. A deputy returned fire, hitting Cornelius

Court documents say Cornelius said he fired his gun to get officers to take his own life. Corneilus was injured, received medical attention on the spot and was taken to hospital.

The hearing started at 9:45 am