Jackson County (Press Release) - Sheriff's authorities in Jackson County answered a 911 call of a shooting that occurred in the Town of Franklin near the Trempealeau County line just after 9 p.m. on August 30, 2012.
Initial reports to the Jackson County 911 Center reported that a man had been shot at a private residence and was now in the area of South Trump Coulee Road and Bahnub Road requesting help. Reports also indicated that the victim in the shooting had been shot in the back.
The Village of Taylor Fire and First Responders were also sent to the scene as squads from the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office responded as well.
EMS Units did not immediately enter the area until law enforcement made sure the scene was safe. Once determined safe, EMS personnel moved in to assist the shooting victim who has been identified as a 23-year-old man from Taylor, Wisconsin. The victim was removed to a medical facility for treatment of a single gunshot wound to the upper left back. The wound did not appear to be life threatening in nature.
According to information gathered at the scene, the shooting took place at a private residence located on Bahnub Road. The property owner was arrested after Sheriff's authorities had activated their (ERT) Emergency Response Team.
Police arrested 61-year-old Michael "Ritch" Charles who surrendered without incident. Charles lives in rural Franklin Township in Jackson County.
From initial reports, Charles became upset with the victim and his two friends when he found alleged evidence that these parties had been at an illegal marijuana grow that Charles was tending to.
Charles remains in custody with no bond at the Jackson County Jail and is being held on one felony count of 1st Degree Endangering Safety. The victim was later released from the hospital after being treated.
Sheriff's officials subsequently served a search warrant at the Charles residence subsequently retrieving a .22 caliber rifle that was used in the shooting. Officials also seized an undisclosed amount of marijuana from the property as well.
This matter remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
More information will follow when available.
