Early last Thursday morning, Merrill officers and deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a residence on the 200 block of E. Second St. According to officer notes, 60-year-old John Wallin Sr. was located walking on the 400 block of E. Second St. and admitted he had discharged a firearm in the residence on the 200 block, after his boys had began beating him.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered Wallin had become intoxicated and engaged in a verbal altercation with a female party in the residence. The argument awoke two other male parties in the residence who became upset due to Wallin’s behavior.
Wallin reportedly went to his bedroom, obtained a .380 caliber handgun and racked the slide. At that point, one of the males struck Wallin and took the handgun away from him. During the struggle, the handgun was discharged.
According to officer to notes, Wallin reportedly admitted to intending to shoot the male in the leg. As a result, Wallin was taken into custody on a Felony charge of Endangering Safety by the Use of a Dangerous Weapon and Domestic Violence related Disorderly Conduct while Armed. In addition, 31-year-old Ian Wallin was taken into custody on a charge of Obstructing an Officer due to providing false information about the whereabouts of the handgun and whether or not it had been fired. A single bullet was found lodged in the floor of the residence and was recovered.