Minnesota best man arrested following shooting of wedding guest, who was injured in both legs.
In a troubling incident at a wedding in Minnesota, a man serving as the best man was arrested for allegedly shooting another guest during a celebration over the weekend. On October 1, 2023, the event took place at Keller Regional Park in Maplewood, where more than 100 attendees were gathered for the ceremony.
Stephan James, 34, from South St. Paul, was apprehended on Wednesday afternoon while seated in the passenger seat of a parked pickup truck on the 500 block of Kent Street in St. Paul. According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, James is accused of shooting a 36-year-old man in both legs following a dispute that erupted around 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. The victim was promptly taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and is expected to recover from his injuries.
Witnesses reported a significant commotion during the wedding, leading to the argument between the two men. Following the altercation, James fled the scene. However, law enforcement was able to locate him by Wednesday evening, just after 5 p.m., leading to his arrest. Deputies blocked the truck and detained both the driver and James. During the apprehension, they recovered two firearms from the vehicle, one of which has been confirmed as stolen.
James has since been booked into the Ramsey County jail, where he is awaiting possible charges related to the incident. As of Thursday, authorities have not disclosed the specific motivations behind the argument that transpired at the marital celebration.
This incident raises serious concerns regarding safety at public gatherings, particularly in family-oriented venues such as parks. Keller Regional Park, situated approximately ten minutes from downtown St. Paul, is a popular location for events such as weddings, birthday parties, and community gatherings.
As investigations continue, the community remains shaken by the violence that disrupted what was meant to be a joyous occasion. The sheriff’s office has not yet determined the full details surrounding the dispute, and further information is anticipated as the investigation unfolds. Media News Source will continue to monitor the situation as new developments arise.