Minnesota Man, 81, Accused of Shooting Subway Owner and Neighbor After Years of Property Disputes in Lake City
LAKE CITY, MINNESOTA — An 81-year-old man is facing multiple attempted murder and assault charges after authorities say he opened fire near a Subway restaurant, shooting the shop’s owner during a long-running dispute over property boundaries in this Mississippi River town.
Gunfire Erupts Near Subway Restaurant
According to a criminal complaint cited by local authorities, William Piar, who lived behind a Subway restaurant along North Lakeshore Drive, allegedly began firing a gun toward the business around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Investigators say the owner of the Subway — whose name has not been released — was struck in the abdomen during the shooting. Police believe the two men had been involved in ongoing property disputes for several years.
Victim Found Bleeding Inside Attached Apartment
Officers responding to the scene located the wounded man inside an apartment connected to the restaurant.
The complaint states:
“The male was lying on the floor holding a towel to his abdominal area with a significant amount of blood near his waistline.”
Police said the victim’s wife and children were present, and Subway employees were actively trying to help him as he lay injured.
“The male was moaning in pain and stated he had been shot,” the document adds.
The victim was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. His condition has not yet been publicly updated.
Police Confront Armed Suspect in Backyard
When officers arrived, they found Piar standing in his backyard, dressed in a black coat and stocking cap.
Police repeatedly ordered him to show his hands, but he allegedly refused, keeping one hand inside his coat pocket while saying:
“No.”
Officers deployed less-than-lethal bean bag rounds, striking Piar and causing him to briefly reveal what police described as a dark-colored firearm.
Despite continued commands, Piar allegedly refused to drop the weapon.
‘At One Point He Requested Officers to Shoot Him’
Authorities say the standoff continued even after multiple bean bag rounds were fired.
According to the complaint:
“At one point, he requested officers to shoot him.”
After additional rounds, Piar fell to the ground, dropped his weapon, and was taken into custody. Police noted his left hand was bleeding heavily and provided medical care before transporting him.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Prosecutors have charged Piar with:
- First-degree attempted murder
- Attempted second-degree murder
- First-degree assault
- Two counts of second-degree assault
He appeared in Goodhue County Court on Friday, where bail was set at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for next month.
Customers Were Inside the Restaurant
Authorities believe customers were inside the Subway at the time of the shooting, though no additional injuries were reported.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue reviewing evidence and witness statements related to the long-standing dispute.
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