Whitewater police: 21-year-old man in custody after multiple victims reported being struck by BB pellets

WHITEWATER -- Whitewater police are investigating an incident involving several victims who reported being struck by BB pellets on the Fourth of July.

It happened Saturday, July 4th around 10:30 p.m.

Police were dispatched to the 100 block of W. Main Street.

There, they spoke with a male subject who believed he had been struck with an unknown object, later determined to be a small, metal BB pellet.

While at the scene, several additional victims reported being struck by BB pellets.

With the assistance of the Whitewater Fire Department and a building owner, officers were able to gain access to a rooftop -- where evidence of the crime was located and secured.

On Sunday, officers began to patrol the apartments in the area.

Officers then met with a 21-year-old resident, and located preliminary items of interest at an apartment.

They then sought a search warrant.

The 21-year-old man was then taken into custody -- and transported to the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office on charges of second degree recklessly endangering safety, disorderly conduct, substantial battery, damage to property, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The incident remains under investigation as additional persons of interest are being sought for questioning.

Members of the Whitewater Police Department would like anyone who was struck by a BB pellet on July 4th while in the downtown area and/or individuals who witnessed the incident to contact them at 262-473-0555.

Those with information who wish to remain anonymous can call Walworth County Crime Stoppers at 800-741-4616 or text your tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Start your message with TIP4WC (Agency key word) plus your message or go to http://www.whitewater-wi.gov/crime-alerts and submit a tip.