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Washington Co. Commander Shot By Turkey Hunter In Western Wis.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Washington County Sheriff's Commander is in the hospital after being shot by a turkey hunter in western Wisconsin, according to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office.

On Tuesday at 7:24 a.m., deputies and emergency responders were dispatched to the 1900 block of 80th Street in Somerset Township for a report of a person who had been shot.

Commander Jerry Cusick, 53, of Stillwater was hit by a single shotgun blast to the head, face, neck and shoulder. He managed to make his way to a neighbor's residence where he received help. He was then taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul where he is listed in good condition.

The shooter is identified as Anthony Cardarelli of White Bear Lake, Minn.

Cusick was scouting for an upcoming turkey hunt on private property when he was shot by Cardarelli.

"There is no information at this point that Cardarelli intended to shoot a person. However, I have great concern over the fact that Cardarelli did not properly identify his intended target prior to shooting," said St. Croix County Sheriff John Shilts.

The incident is under investigation.

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