Alcohol possible factor in shooting

Published 10:01 am Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Man allegedly fired into floor near feet

The Sunday altercation that resulted in a man firing a gun in Clarks Grove reportedly began after a dispute about a ride to the Gopher Stop, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

Alcohol may have been a factor.

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Freeborn County District Court documents state Ronald Allen Hanson, 66, allegedly fired a 9 mm handgun into the floor of his trailer at 326 Hillcrest Circle near another man’s feet.

Ronald Hanson

Ronald Hanson

The man — a friend — told authorities he had refused to give Hanson a ride to the Gopher Stop, after which Hanson allegedly pulled out the handgun, pointed it in his direction and shot it into the floor by his feet. Hanson allegedly had been drinking all day prior, according to court reports.

The man, who lives in the same trailer park, left Hanson’s residence after the shot was fired and called 911. Freeborn County sheriff’s deputies received the emergency call at about 1:06 p.m.

As deputies arrived at the residence, they reportedly saw Hanson walking west on Hillcrest Circle. A deputy approached him from behind and arrested him, court records stated.

During a search of Hanson’s trailer, deputies reportedly found a 9 mm handgun with 10 rounds remaining in a 12-round clip, along with 28 other guns. A deputy found a hole in the floor where the bullet apparently entered but did not find a shell casing or bullet.

Hanson faces one count of second-degree assault tied to the incident.

On Tuesday, Judge Steve Schwab ordered Hanson be held on a $5,000 conditional bond. One of the conditions of his release was to have no weapons.

If Hanson is convicted of the crime, he faces a presumptive prison sentence of one year and nine months.