Assault charge dismissed against Willmar drive-by shooting suspect

A charge of 2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon has been dropped against a Willmar man who was accused of shooting at another vehicle in Willmar May 23rd.

According to KWLM, Willmar police got a call from a man who claimed 21-year-old Weheliye Gaal had fired a shot at the caller’s vehicle while driving in northeast Willmar. Police say the caller was evasive and gave a fake name, and they were never able to find him again to talk to him.

When police questioned Gaal, they found a gun in his car with the serial number scratched off. Because Gaal was convicted of a felony in a previous case, he is forbidden from possessing a weapon. Gaal still faces charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon With the Serial Number Removed, and Carrying a Weapon Without a Permit.

A settlement conference will take place December 4th (11 a.m.) Gaal remains jailed on $75,000 unconditional bail.