Man cited after allegedly firing gunshots into ice on Snake River in Pine City

A man was cited after allegedly firing gunshots into ice on the Snake River in Pine City on Dec. 27.

According to Pine County Sheriff Jeff Nelson, deputies responded to reports of gunshot sounds near the river access in Challeen Park.

Nelson said a male party at the scene initially denied involvement, but admitted to firing rounds to determine ice thickness after law enforcement determined he was carrying a pistol and located evidence of shooting.

"Eventually, the individual admitted that it was him that shot, and he was shooting down into the ice, apparently to try to determine how much ice there was," Nelson said. "I've never heard of that being used as a good method of testing ice thickness."

According to information from the Pine County Attorney’s Office, it appears the man fired four 9-millimeter rounds into the ice. No one else was in the park at the time.

Nelson said alcohol was not a factor in the incident.