Cole Vanderlinden (Photo: Clay County Jail)
GLYNDON, Minn. (KFGO-KVRR) – A 43-year-old Glyndon man faces criminal charges after authorities say he fired roughly 20 rounds toward three hunters on public land Sunday morning, despite the group wearing bright blaze-orange safety gear.
Clay County sheriff’s deputies responded to the 300 block of 170th Street North after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area. One hunter told emergency dispatchers that a man was firing in their direction, forcing him to retreat into a nearby patch of cattails to take cover from the bullets.
According to court documents, all three hunters were wearing high-visibility orange vests and hats. The men told investigators they heard bullets fly directly over their heads and screamed at the shooter to stop firing. Court records state that the suspect, identified as Cole Vanderlinden, shouted back a derogatory slur and told the hunters to “get over it.”
When deputies arrived, they confronted Vanderlinden, who was holding an AR-style rifle equipped with a scope. Officers ordered him to surrender and took him into custody.
Following the arrest, deputies searched Vanderlinden’s vehicle. Law enforcement officers discovered another rifle, a shotgun, extra ammunition, and two baggies containing methamphetamine.
Vanderlinden was booked into the Clay County jail on suspicion of intentional discharge of a firearm and drug possession. Court records show his bail was set at $3,000 with release conditions.
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