Fergus Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—A violent altercation involving gunfire has landed two men in jail after a confrontation outside a camper in Fergus Falls last weekend. The Fergus Falls Police Department responded to reports of shots fired on Sunday, January 19th, discovering that bullets had struck a camper during a dispute between 21-year-old Justin Kyle Ruiz and 21-year-old Terrell Jamal Carter.
According to court records, the incident unfolded when an acquaintance of Ruiz arrived at the camper to purchase marijuana, bringing Carter along. At some point, an argument escalated between Ruiz and Carter outside the camper, leading to gunfire.
Ruiz told authorities that he pulled out a gun after Carter allegedly made a threatening statement, insinuating he would shoot up the camper. Ruiz claimed that Carter then drew a firearm before slipping behind a vehicle, at which point a gunshot was fired. Ruiz, believing Carter had fired, attempted to return fire but couldn’t get a clear visual. Another gunshot struck the camper as Ruiz retreated inside.
Carter’s version of events differs. He told officers that when he arrived at the camper, Ruiz reached for a firearm in his waistband, prompting Carter to flee. Carter says he slipped, noticed a firearm on the ground—allegedly belonging to Ruiz—and fired a single shot behind him as he ran away.
Both Ruiz and Carter were later taken into custody and are now facing 2nd-degree assault charges along with additional misdemeanor offenses. They are currently being held at the Otter Tail County Detention Facility and made their first court appearance on Wednesday, January 22nd.
Authorities are still investigating the full circumstances surrounding the gunfire.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me