Police Arrest Suspect in After-Hours Shooting at Rochester Park

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- One man is in custody in connection to an after-hours shooting at a Rochester park. 

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Rochester Police Captain Casey Moilanen said the shooting occurred around 2:15 Sunday morning. An officer in the area heard the sound of gunshots and drove towards the area. 

The shooting occurred in Essex Park in northwest Rochester. The officer saw a vehicle exiting the park and initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of 55th St. Northwest and West River Dr. 

The lone occupant of the vehicle is identified as 20-year-old Thout Aguek of Rochester. The officer who initiated the traffic stop reported seeing a handgun magazine sticking out from under the vehicle’s passenger seat, Moilanen said. 

A further search of the vehicle revealed a 9mm handgun, spent shell casings and live rounds of ammo scattered throughout the vehicle, according to the report. Officers canvassed the park and did not find any gunshot victims. 

The park does have an archery range and is known to have several deer. Aguek was arrested on suspicion of reckless discharge of a firearm and illegal transportation of a loaded firearm. 

Moilanen said Aguek could also face charges in connection with several open alcoholic bottles officers saw in the vehicle and for being in a city park after hours. 

Aguek declined to give a statement following his arrest. He is awaiting arraignment in the Olmsted County Jail.