A Shawano man who allegedly fired a rifle at a group of people during an exchange of gunfire in the city Monday night is in custody, while authorities continue to investigate whether charges should be filed against others involved.
Police say a 23-year-old man drove past several people standing on the sidewalk in front of a residence in the 600 block of East Richmond Street about 10 p.m. and exchanged fire with a person in the group who legally possessed a handgun.
A green Chevrolet pickup truck operated by the 23-year-old man was struck several times from bullets fired by the handgun. A bullet shot from the rifle in the pickup truck struck the residence, police said.
Police said the man fled the scene and abandoned the pickup truck.
He was spotted walking home by Shawano County sheriff’s deputies, still carrying the rifle.
He was arrested on charges of reckless endangerment and possession of marijuana. The Leader does not publish the names of suspects who have not formally been charged.
The pickup truck was impounded and was being processed for evidence.
The initial investigation indicates that some of the rounds fired from the handgun struck the pickup from the rear. Two rounds were impacted in the driver’s head rest and continued through the windshield, according to police.
Police said they have not yet determined who fired their weapon first, and more charges could be forthcoming for others involved in the incident.
Interviews with witnesses were continuing Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the incident stemmed from an altercation that began at Hensel’s Bar, 134 S. Washington St., just before the shooting.
Chief Mark Kohl said there was apparently “a long, drawn-out feud” that had been going on between the parties, but stressed that the investigation is ongoing.
The rear window of the 23-year-old man’s pickup truck was broken out during the altercation by an object thrown at the truck, Kohl said.
The man left Hensel’s parking lot and returned to the area of Richmond Street with a Highpoint 9mm rifle. Several rounds were exchanged between the pickup driver and an individual in the group.
Police said the individual who fired the handgun possessed a concealed carry license.
No one was injured, and the public is not in danger, police said.
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