A Minnesota grandfather shot his teenage grandson with birdshot over an argument about storing a fishing shelter, then threatened to kill the boy when he returned home, according to police documents filed in Otter Tail County.
Authorities arrested 66-year-old David Berg after his daughter called 911 reporting her father had shot her son and was making threats against the family. The grandson, whose age was not disclosed in charging documents, required medical treatment for multiple pellet wounds across his body.
The incident unfolded after Berg became enraged that his grandson had not properly stored a fish house—the portable ice fishing shelters common across Minnesota lakes. According to the criminal complaint, Berg confronted the teenager outside their residence and fired a shotgun loaded with birdshot, striking him multiple times.
When the mother arrived home, Berg allegedly told her, “When is your son coming home so I can shoot him?” She told investigators Berg had consumed approximately two gallons of Windsor whiskey over the preceding days and stated that night he intended to shoot her son.
The grandson fled to seek medical attention. Doctors removed birdshot pellets from his torso, arms, and legs. While birdshot—small pellets typically used for hunting birds—is less lethal than buckshot or rifle rounds, it can cause serious injury at close range and permanent damage to eyes or vital organs.
Berg now faces multiple felony charges including second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and terroristic threats. If convicted on the assault charge alone, he could face up to seven years in prison and $14,000 in fines under Minnesota law.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about alcohol-fueled domestic violence in rural communities, where firearms are commonly present and family disputes can escalate with deadly consequences. Minnesota requires background checks for handgun purchases but not for private rifle or shotgun sales, though federal law prohibits firearm possession by those convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors.
Berg remains in custody at Otter Tail County Jail pending his initial court appearance. Prosecutors will determine whether to pursue additional charges related to the threats against his daughter. The grandson’s current condition was not disclosed in court filings, though he survived the shooting.
The investigation continues as authorities review whether Berg should face enhanced charges based on the family relationship and premeditated threats.
Key Points
- A 66-year-old Minnesota man shot his teenage grandson multiple times with birdshot after an argument about storing a fish house, according to criminal charges
- The grandfather allegedly threatened his daughter, saying he would shoot the boy again when he came home, after drinking two gallons of whiskey over several days
- Berg faces felony assault and terroristic threats charges carrying up to seven years in prison as prosecutors review the case
