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They stated that could not hear exactly what he was saying, but indicated that they both felt threatened due to his possession of a gun. They stated that they did not want to open the door to the shed. They stated that Cronin Jr then fired off a single round from the shotgun. Laura indicated that Cronin Jr had also threatened people in the past with a gun. They described the gun he was carrying as a wooden shotgun. 2 31-CR-26-577 Filed in District Court State of Minnesota 3/19/2026 After concluding the above conversation, Deputy O'Toole walked back to the residence and spoke with Cronin Jr about the incident.
He explained that he had received information that Harper had punched Laura and was upset. He stated that he and his dad had gone outside and told Harper to leave. He stated that his dad had told him to grab the shotgun. He stated that he took the shotgun outside and discharged a single round between the road and the shed. He stated that the shotgun had a "hair trigger" and he did not really mean to discharge it. He stated that he did not intend to threaten Harper and Laura, but more to "intimidate" them.
He stated that he wanted Harper to leave the property. Cronin Jr was placed in the back of Deputy O'Toole's squad while the investigation continued. Shortly thereafter, a shotgun wad was located in the driveway of the residence. It was photographed and collected as evidence. Deputy O'Toole then spoke with Cronin Sr about the incident. He recounted essentially the same version of events given by Cronin Jr. He stated that he knew that Cronin Jr had the gun, but did not know that he was going to shoot it.
While speaking with him, Deputy O'Toole observed a spent.