A 35-year-old man has entered a not guilty plea to a series of felony charges tied to a shooting incident in Door County last fall that authorities say put multiple law enforcement officers at risk.

Manuel Ponce appeared in Door County court Monday, where he is charged with 14 counts, including five counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

Prosecutors allege Ponce fired shots during an Oct. 2, 2025, encounter involving deputies from the Door County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Sturgeon Bay Police Department.

According to the criminal complaint, officers were dispatched to a home on County C in the Town of Nasewaupee for a 911 follow-up. A witness at the scene told authorities he had been drinking alcohol with Ponce but left because he feared for his safety.

As deputies approached the residence, they reported hearing gunshots from inside. After announcing their presence, additional rounds were fired, the complaint states.

Authorities later contacted Ponce by phone. He allegedly said he did not want to be killed by police in front of his 8-year-old daughter. Roughly 30 minutes later, he exited the home and was taken into custody without incident.

Investigators reported significant damage throughout the residence, recovering 69 shell casings and documenting bullet holes in several rooms. Many of the shots appeared to have been fired through a bedroom door and across the home.

Ponce told investigators he believed his social media activity had drawn the attention of Mexican drug cartels and that he was being targeted.

While no trial date has been scheduled, court records show Ponce is due back in court on June 8 for a status conference.