Man Charged After Accidental Shooting

(KNSI) — The man taken into custody following a shooting in St. Cloud Saturday morning has been charged.

According to the criminal complaint, police were called just after 1:00 to a home on the 6000 block of Cape West Court for a report of a gunshot. Thirty-two-year-old Ian Hoffarth said his 30-year-old roommate shot him in the leg. Police spoke with Hoffarth, who was on the front lawn when they arrived. While he was being treated for a gunshot wound, Hoffarth’s roommate called. Police say they heard the roommate accuse Hoffarth of coming to the house, causing a problem, and pulling out a gun. Hoffarth denied the accusations, and as an officer took the phone to speak with the roommate in another area, he told police to shoot the roommate in the head.

The roommate told police he sent Hoffarth a text message telling him he needed to move out. Hoffarth was reportedly at a bar when he got the message. In reviewing Hoffarth’s phone, police say he replied, “Cool be there in 15. Think I’m scared of dying.” He accused the roommate of believing lies someone told about him and said, “Better have a gun ready.” He says Hoffarth came to the house yelling, threatening to kill him, and pointed a gun at him.” When he grabbed for the gun, a scuffle ensued. He says he heard a loud bang, saw blood, and then left the room.

Hoffarth has been charged with felony threats of violence. He’s due back in court on May 20th.

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