Two arrested, after De Soto man says he was “accidentally shot in the back of the head by his son”

A 911 call of a shooting in Vernon County led to the arrests of two men Saturday.

According to a news release from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Kraig Hanson, Sr., told authorities he had been “accidentally shot in the back of the head by his son.”

The 61-year-old was found walking alone on Taylor Road, after the call came into dispatch around 9 p.m. from the town of Wheatland, outside De Soto, Wis.

His son, Kenneth Hanson, also appeared injured but refused any medical treatment.

It’s unclear when the two were arrested, but the release said Kraig Hanson was likely struck with the firearm itself, as opposed to being shot with a bullet.

When the sheriff’s office conducted a search warrant at, what appears from the report to be Kenneth Hanson’s residence, the gun was located.

As the investigation continued, Kenneth Hanson was arrested and booked into the Vernon County Detention Center for battery and disorderly conduct. He posted a $650 cash bond, was released, and is due in Vernon County Circuit Court Oct. 4.

Kraig Hanson Sr. was later arrested and booked for felon in possession of a firearm, battery, and disorderly conduct. He appeared in court Tuesday, was released on a $5,000 signature bond and is due back Sept. 26.

The sheriff’s office noted that the investigation is ongoing and formal charges on both Hansons will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney.

Assisting were the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Wheatland First Responders, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance, and Vernon County Emergency Management.