Posted by Sara Niklas
A few drinks between neighbors turned violent early this morning in Mountain Iron.
Tonight one man is hospitalized and another behind bars.
John Charles Kolterman Jr. and his father, John Sr., were having a few drinks with a neighbor in John Sr.'s garage.
The neighbor left and allegedly returned just before 3 a.m. with a .44 magnum revolver.
Deputies found 33–year old John Jr., a Minorca Mine employee, face down on the ground.
He'd been shot in the abdomen and foot.
"There seems to have been a verbal argument prior to this," said Sergeant Richard Fiero.
The 40–year old suspect was arrested at the scene without resistance.
"This is a relatively fresh investigation we just conducted search warrants at the scene and surrounding area. We're still in the process of attempting to interview other people, especially the victim," said Fiero.
The aunt of the victim declined to go on camera but said the suspect and the victim knew each other well.
John Kolterman Junior was airlifted to Saint Mary's in Duluth where he underwent surgery and is now in stable condition.
Friends of the family set up a benefit fund for the Kolterman family at the American Bank in Mountain Iron.
Charges are pending in the case.
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