Charges filed in Waseca shooting

Two Waseca men were charged with attempted murder Monday in Waseca County District Court following a car shooting which took place in the early morning hours of Thursday, Nov. 10. Though an occupied vehicle experienced a shattered window and 7 or more bullet holes, no one was injured. 

Charged with numerous felonies in Waseca County Court on Monday were Anthony Deshawn Coleman, 29, and Khalee Ahmad Fox, 27. Both are accused of attempted murder in the first degree-premedidated, and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. The first charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, the second up to 7 years. Unconditional bail for the defendants was set at $1 million, conditional bail at $800,000.

Last Thursday at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers were dispatched in response to two back-to-back calls reporting gunshots in the area near Minnwest Bank in Waseca. The first 911 caller said she heard roughly seven shots, followed moments later by another three. 

Shortly after, a second 911 caller stated that his car had been shot at near Barden’s Bar. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found the second caller in his car in the parking lot near Barden’s. The rear driver’s side window of the vehicle was shattered, and there were what appeared to be several bullet holes in the passenger side panels. The victim reported that “Khalee Fox” and “Solo,” later identified as Coleman, shot at him and his vehicle. 

According to police, the victim had pulled into the back parking lot behind Barden’s Bar, where Fox approached him. The complaint states that the victim and Fox had a history. The victim said he started to back his vehicle up, saw Fox run into the bar, then heard gunshots and saw Coleman firing at him. He then reported Fox came back out of the bar, put his arm through an open vehicle window, and proceeded to fire.

When police asked the victim whether he had seen a gun in Fox’s hand, he replied that Fox was the only person he saw behind him after hearing the “booms” of the gunshots. 

The victim also stated he had seen a “dark gun” in Coleman’s hands, along with the muzzle flash, just as Fox’s arm reached through the open window.

The bartender at Barden’s confirmed that Fox and Coleman were outside the bar in the alley area when she heard gunshots. The bartender said Coleman came back into the bar after the gunshots to retrieve three females whose company he had been sharing beforehand; the four left in a black SUV.

After the 911 calls, the vehicle registration was identified as belonging to Amber Uballe. Deputy Johannsen located the suspect’s vehicle, which was found at Uballe’s residence. The male suspects were then arrested.

A search of the victim’s vehicle and the surrounding area discovered a spent slug in the grass near Second Street NE, a gun shell in the Waseca Agency building, and two spent slugs in the front passenger door of the victim’s car. Coleman reportedly had a 9mm bullet and shell casing on him at the time of his arrest. 

The two charges of attempted murder carry a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Fox and Coleman’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 28.

Waseca police Captain Kris Markeson said there are no other persons of interest being sought in the case. Officers within the department have reportedly expressed concern over a possible connection between Thursday’s shooting and the shooting in Janesville two months ago which left one man paralyzed. Markeson said although these four individuals may be acquainted with each other, there is no indication, and he has no evidence to believe the two incidents are related. 

The weapons the two individuals supposedly possessed have not been found. Markeson said there is no reason to believe the weapons might be found by the general public. The department is still investigating; the motive behind the shooting is still unknown.

Markeson confirmed that officers have had dealings with these individuals in the past and that their criminal history is public record. As for what citizens should do in regards to public safety, Markeson encouraged people to call when they have concerns. “That’s what we’re here for. We respond to every call. We do take these things seriously.” 

The number to reach Waseca County dispatch is (507) 835-0500.