Shooting suspect arrested after standoff in Lakewood

By: 
NEW Media Staff

A Lakewood man was being held in the Oconto County Jail after he allegedly fired several shots at another man in his driveway.

Mark J. Verhagen, 58, Lakewood, is charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and misdemeanor counts of intentionally pointing a firearm at a person, resisting or obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct, in connection with the incident that allegedly occurred April 23.

During a court appearance April 27, Oconto County Judge Jay N. Conley set bond at $20,000 cash with conditions that Verhagen have no direct or indirect contact with the other man, may not possess firearms or other dangerous weapons and shall not possess or consume alcoholic beverages.

Verhagen’s initial appearance was adjourned until May 19.

The man, identified as EJL in the criminal complaint, told authorities he was backing a flatbed trailer into his driveway when Verhagen confronted him with a rifle and began shooting at him from about 30 yards away. At least two of the three shots struck a tractor on the trailer.

EJL said the attack was unprovoked, according to the criminal complaint.

Verhagen was taken into custody at his home a short time later after a standoff. Sheriff’s department logs indicate that 14 officers from several jurisdictions responded to the standoff at Verhagen’s home, including Sheriff Todd Skarban.