Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The criminal complaint filed against the suspect of a Rochester apartment shooting earlier this week is shedding new light on the events that led up to the gunfire. 

See Also: Teen Detained for Rochester Apartment Shooting Charged As Adult

Rochester Police responded to the shooting shortly after 9:00 Monday night in southeast Rochester. No injuries were reported. 

Olmsted County Sheriff’s Deputies captured the suspect during a traffic stop near the Hwy. 52/Marion Rd. interchange southeast of Rochester

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The court filing indicates the suspect was seen walking then slapping a dog near the Andover Apartments in the 1900 block of 8 ½ St. Southeast. 

Charges: Man Accused of Committing Shooting at Rochester Apartment Fired 23 Rounds

Witnesses told police they were standing outside of the apartments when they confronted the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Christopher Coleman, over his treatment of the dog. 

Coleman. Olmsted County ADC
Coleman. Olmsted County ADC
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The charges say Coleman became angry and left the area. He later returned holding what a witness described as a hooded sweatshirt in a conspicuous manner. 

Gunfire then suddenly erupted from what one witness believed was an assault rifle. Officers who responded to the scene found 23 spent shell casings, according to the complaint. 

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Investigators later learned one of the juveniles who confronted Coleman before the shooting showed him a gun that was tucked in his waistband, the charges say. 

Coleman compliant. Olmsted County Court
Coleman compliant. Olmsted County Court
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Officers obtained a vehicle description and a partial plate and connected it to one of the apartment units. 

Police then executed a search warrant at the apartment and found two firearm magazines loaded with bullets that matched the shell casings found at the shooting scene as well as the dog. Officers did not find a firearm inside of the apartment, the complaint says. 

Coleman compliant. Olmsted County Court
Coleman compliant. Olmsted County Court
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Deputies later found the suspect vehicle occupied by Coleman and a family member in the area of 50th Ave. and Marion Rd. Southeast. Coleman was arrested without incident. 

The Rochester man is charged with three counts of second-degree assault and a count of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a violent crime.  His conditional bail is set at $150,000.

Court records indicate Coleman was convicted of a felony firearm violation in Mower County in 2019 and of felony domestic assault in Olmsted County in 2015. 

He’s due to make his first court appearance on Thursday morning.

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