LINN — Multiple reports of gunfire near the Tower View Apartments on May 2 led law enforcement to a residence in Symmonds Hall, where a Linn man was arrested.

According to a probable cause statement filed by the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, three calls for service were received at approximately 8:33 p.m. reporting possible shots fired near Tower View Apartments, 260 Commercial Drive.

The original reporting party was not contacted; however, Osage County Emergency Operations advised the party called from State Tech and reported hearing shots fired from the apartments.

Deputy Cortez arrived on scene at approximately 8:44 p.m. and made contact with the first witness. Witness 1 said she heard two shots, then looked out her apartment window and saw a white male wearing all black clothing walking across the Tower View Apartments parking lot carrying what she described as a “long black thing.” She said he walked toward a black car and then back into a building on the right side.

Witness 2, contacted by cell phone, stated she “heard what sounded like two shots fired” and observed a male who appeared to be carrying a long rifle walking toward the Symmonds Hall apartments.

Witnesses 3 and 4 also reported hearing shots fired outside their apartment. Witness 3 stated the shots came from Symmonds Hall, apartment I, and provided the name Justin Wilson. He stated, “I seen him with the gun down, walking across the parking lot,” and identified the firearm as “a 12-gauge shotgun.”

Witness 4 stated she saw who she believed to be Wilson outside wearing black shorts and carrying some type of weapon. She said he was holding the weapon low on his right side and, shortly after, she heard “two gun shots.”

According to the statement, Cortez observed a black vehicle next to the right-side entrance upon entering Symmonds Hall and noted the location of Witness 1’s apartment was consistent with her account.

Cortez located apartment I, where law enforcement knocked and announced “Sheriff’s Office” loudly and clearly. A white male wearing all black clothing came to the door, and Cortez reported a moderate odor of marijuana coming from inside the residence.

When asked his name, the man identified himself as Justin Porter Wilson. Cortez asked him to step outside. Wilson was detained for investigation and placed in handcuffs at approximately 9:20 p.m., at which time he invoked his Fifth Amendment right.

Miranda rights were advised, during which Wilson repeatedly stated, “I plead the fifth.” Cortez also reported detecting a moderate odor of intoxicants coming from Wilson’s breath. No questions were asked, and Wilson was arrested at approximately 9:29 p.m. He was transported to the Osage County Jail by Officer Cottingham of the Linn Police Department.

A search warrant was filed, signed, and executed May 3. At approximately 6 p.m., the warrant was carried out at Symmonds Hall, apartment I.

A Hatfield PAS 12-gauge shotgun, along with three spent 12-gauge Federal rifled slug 70 mm casings, were located in Wilson’s bedroom, stowed between the mattress and box spring. Three additional casings of the same brand and caliber were located on the floor next to the bed, two of which were spent.

The items were seized as evidence and placed in temporary evidence at the Osage County Sheriff’s Office. A copy of the search warrant and inventory of seized items was left with a relative of Wilson to be placed in the residence.

The Sheriff’s Office has requested charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon; however, no charges had been filed as of this writing.

A booking photograph was not available as of press time. According to jail staff, Wilson was held for 24 hours and released after no warrant was issued by a judge.