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An Ely man faces several charges, including three felonies, after he allegedly assaulted a family member at a local residence and discharged a firearm - killing a dog.
According to court records, Iver Lepisto, 19, was arrested outside a Boundary Street residence on the afternoon of Sept. 19.
Lepisto allegedly fought with officers trying to arrest him - after police were called to the home on a report of gunshots fired in the area.
He was later charged with third degree assault/substantial bodily harm, reckless discharge of a firearm and attempt to disarm a peace officer -all felonies.
Lepisto also faces gross misdemeanor counts of fifth degree drug possession and animal cruelty, and a misdemeanor count of domestic assault.
A criminal complaint filed by the Ely Police Department indicates that the reporting party stated that Lepisto fired a shotgun outside an Ely residence.
When officers arrived, they found Lepisto and an adult victim fighting outside the residence.
Officers gained control of Lepisto’s arm, but he fought with them before he was ultimately subdued and handcuffed.
According to the complaint, officers asked Lepisto if he had taken any drugs and he responded that he had used methamphetamine, PCP and other substances.
The adult victim had a large laceration on her forehead that was actively bleeding, a large amount of blood coming from her mouth and had difficulty communicating, according to police.
She was later transported to Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital and treated for multiple injuries including a broken nose.
Police say that the victim reported that she saw Lepisto go outside the house, and that she later heard a gunshot. She told police that Lepisto had used a long gun to shoot a companion animal dog belonging to a second victim.
The first victim said she hid the gun from Lepisto, which caused him to become upset and that he began fighting with her, causing the injuries.
At the residence, officers located a dog on the passenger side of Lepisto’s vehicle. There appeared to be a bullet hole wound in the chest of the dog and it was confirmed that the dog was deceased. A rifle shell casing was located near the passenger side of the vehicle and there was blood on the stairs of the front porch, according to police.
Police indicated that there were several rounds of live ammunition on the porch, as well as a large clump of hair consistent with the hair of the first victim.
Inside the residence, police say they found a coat rack tipped over and rugs bunched up, indicating signs of possible fighting inside the residence.
Officers also found what appeared to be several pieces of drug paraphernalia and a zip-up case containing a vial of substance consistent with crystal methamphetamine.
The felony charges all carry maximum prison terms of two-to-five years imprisonment.
According to St. Louis County Jail records, Lepisto remained in custody as of Tuesday, with bail set at $30,000.
