A 44-year-old Hastings man was arrested after allegedly discharging a firearm in the direction of his home on June 15.
Jeffrey Michael Winter, 21 Meggan Dr., was charged with felony charges possession of a firearm by ineligible person (prior crime of violence) and dangerous weapon violation (reckless discharge of firearm) and a gross misdemeanor charge of possession of firearm or ammunition by ineligible person.
At approximately noon on June 15, the Hastings Police Department responded to a report from a neighbor that stated Winter was standing outside of his house firing a gun in the direction of it. When police responded and attempted to apprehend Winter for firing the gun and for an active warrant, he told them to “shoot me.” Officers deployed a taser, as Winter allegedly kept approaching officers. He also had a knife and a screwdriver in his possession.
Officers found several black powder rifle primers near Winter’s truck where he was shooting from. A search warrant for Winter’s home yielded two compound bows, arrows, bullets and a black powder .50 caliber rifle.
Winter cannot legally possess firearms due to a 2012 drug conviction and other court action.
Winter is being held in the Dakota County Jail on $200,000 bail without conditions, or $100,000 bail or bond with conditions.
He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, June 27 at 1:30 p.m. and July 25 at 1:30 p.m.