Authorities say the shooting happened Sunday, October 25, 2026, in rural Clay County.<\/p>\n
Cole Lee Vanderlinden, 43, allegedly continued firing after hunters warned him that people were nearby.<\/p>\n
The hunters reported bullets passing overhead as they searched for cover in thick vegetation.<\/p>\n
Hunters Report Gunfire Near Their Location<\/h2>\n
Clay County Sheriff’s deputies responded to several 911 calls from the 300 block of 170th Street North.<\/p>\n
Three hunters told investigators they were walking through brush and cattails when gunfire began.<\/p>\n
The shots reportedly came from the direction of nearby homes.<\/p>\n
According to the criminal complaint, the hunters were wearing blaze-orange clothing and hats.<\/p>\n
The group began shouting to warn the shooter about their location.<\/p>\n
One hunter also fired a warning shot into the air.<\/p>\n
Another hunter reportedly approached within about 50 yards of Vanderlinden and told him to stop shooting.<\/p>\n
Despite the warning, Vanderlinden allegedly continued firing toward the area.<\/p>\n
The hunters retreated into the cattails for protection.<\/p>\n
One hunter told investigators he feared for his life during the incident.<\/p>\n
Deputies Find Rifle and Suspected Drugs<\/h2>\n
Deputies arrived and spotted Vanderlinden near a vehicle while holding an AR-style rifle equipped with a scope.<\/p>\n
They ordered him to place the weapon on the ground.<\/p>\n
Vanderlinden complied but later argued with deputies before being detained, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Investigators searched the property and reported finding several weapons and ammunition.<\/p>\n
The items included an AR-style rifle, a shotgun, and ammunition for both firearms.<\/p>\n Investigators also found two small bags containing a substance suspected to be methamphetamine.<\/p>\n The substance tested positive for methamphetamine during a preliminary field test, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n Authorities believe at least 15 rounds were fired during the encounter.<\/p>\n Initial reports suggested the number of shots could have reached approximately 20.<\/p>\n The complaint alleges the shots endangered the hunters despite their repeated warnings.<\/p>\n No injuries were reported in the available accounts of the incident.<\/p>\n Vanderlinden was charged in Clay County District Court with intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety.<\/p>\n That felony carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.<\/p>\n He also faces a fifth-degree controlled substance possession charge.<\/p>\n The drug charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.<\/p>\n According to KFGO’s October 26 report<\/a>, court records listed bail at $3,000 with release conditions.<\/p>\n Readers can find public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pending criminal cases may require a case number for online access.<\/p>\n![\"Glyndon](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Cole-Lee-Vanderlinden-1024x576.png\")
<\/a>Investigators Estimate 15 to 20 Shots<\/h2>\n
Two Felony Charges Filed in Clay County<\/h2>\n