Shots Fired at Fairgrounds

On July 24, 2011 at 0205 hrs, Officers were dispatched to a report of a large fight at the Fairlane building located at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Officers were advised that 20 individuals were fighting and using folding chairs as weapons.

Albert Lea police officers and Freeborn County sheriff’s deputies responded and observed numerous people running in the area. Further information was received of gunshots fired.

Officers stopped several vehicles attempting to leave the scene. One of these vehicles contained 5 males from Nebraska and Iowa. The subjects were all found to be under 21 and had been consuming alcohol. All 5 subjects were arrested and held for bail on illegal consumption. A search of the vehicle located a .45 caliber handgun.

Officers on scene located 3 shell casings near the initial scene.

A call was also received from a residence in the 1100blk of Bridge Avenue in regards to a bullet hole in the wall. This residence is located across from the fairgrounds entrance. A bullet hole was located in the side of the bedroom wall. A bullet was located in the bedroom. No injured parties were located.

The incident is still under investigation.