Guilty Plea From Mantorville Man Accused of Shooting at Officers
Mantorville, MN (KROC-AM News) - A man accused of shooting at law enforcement officers during a standoff in Dodge County last summer, today entered into a plea agreement that does not require any additional jail time
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58-year-old Russell Herbert Hilsman was arrested after the Dodge County Sheriff's Office sent deputies to his family's home in Mantorville in response to a 911 call from his wife, who reported that he was in a shed with a gun. According to the criminal complaint, the responding deputies spoke with Hilsman on the phone and determined he was extremely intoxicated, armed, and threatening suicide.
The court document says Hilsman told the deputies that he had a shotgun and a handgun in the shed and had fired at least two rounds into the ground before the standoff began. It also stated that Hilsman claimed there were more than a dozen propane tanks in the shed and he could just blow it up.
The criminal complaint alleged that the deputies spotted Hilsman holding the shotgun and looking out a window. One of the law officers stated that he could see the barrel of the weapon pointed directly at him when he heard the sound of a round being racked into the chamber. Moments later, a shotgun blast blew out a window on the shed and prompted the officers to retreat to their squad cars.
The charges say Hillsman fired several additional rounds toward another shed on the property before he emerged unarmed and started walking in the direction of his home. A Kasson police officer then responded to the situation by tackling Hillsman and taking into custody.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Hillsman today admitted to a felony count of reckless discharge of a firearm. The original charges in the case, first-degree assault against a peace officer, and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, were dropped.
Following today's plea hearing, Hillsman was allowed to remain free without bail. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled in July. The plea agreement calls for a stay of adjudication with five years probation and no additional jail time.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Resource information is provided for free as well as a chat message service. To speak directly to a professional, call 988. You are not alone and help is available. Every life is important.
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