Ramsey County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A man has been charged with attempted murder after prosecutors say he opened fire through a Saint Paul apartment window last month, injuring one man and nearly hitting others inside.
According to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, 47-year-old Dontae Martez Williamson is charged with attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault with great bodily harm. The shooting happened around 12:49 a.m. on July 18 at an apartment on the 400 block of Maryland Avenue West.
Officers arrived to find a man with a gunshot wound to his right hand. The victim told police he was sitting on a bed when he reached to share a lighter and heard a loud “pow.” The bullet struck his right ring finger, which was partially severed. Doctors later amputated the finger up to the first knuckle.
Investigators found a bullet hole through a window, along with two bullet fragments inside. Surveillance video captured a light-colored Saturn sedan arriving just after 12:30 a.m. A man on crutches was seen approaching the apartment, leaving briefly, then returning near the window before a muzzle flash appeared on video around 12:47 a.m. The shooter then retrieved the crutches and left in the Saturn.
Police identified Williamson through prior contacts and evidence linking him to the Duluth area earlier this summer. Cell phone data also placed him near the scene at the time of the gunfire. He was arrested on August 28 after returning from Texas. In an interview, Williamson admitted knowing the men in the apartment and said one owed him $90, but denied firing the gun.
Prosecutors noted Williamson has 10 prior felony convictions, including felon in possession of a firearm, assault, and burglary. He remains in custody on $500,000 bail under conditions barring him from contacting the victim. If convicted, he faces enhanced penalties due to firearm use and his criminal history.
More information about Minnesota criminal proceedings is available at the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
