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Man charged with attempted murder in flare gun shooting

William Goddard Jr.

A Fort Dodge man has been charged with attempted murder in the flare gun shooting of a 52-year-old man Tuesday evening, according to the Fort Dodge Police Department.

William Goddard Jr., 31, was arrested early Wednesday morning. He’s charged with attempted murder, a Class B felony, and going armed with intent, a Class D felony, in connection with the assault, which occurred in the 500 block of South 15th Street.

The assault was reported at about 8:42 p.m.

The initial report from dispatch indicated a man had been shot. It was later clarified he had been shot with a flare gun. After firing the flare gun at the victim, the suspect struck him with an unknown object before fleeing the area, police reported.

Police officers and the Fort Dodge Fire Department arrived on the scene and provided treatment for the victim, who had suffered at least two strikes in the upper torso and face from rounds fired from the flare gun.

The victim was subsequently transported to UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.

Officers could be seen talking to several witnesses nearby. One of the witnesses appeared to show photo or video evidence to officers on his smartphone.

Police initially noted that they believed the attack was an isolated incident between the two, but not a random act.

Goddard, currently being held in the Webster County Jail, will make his initial appearance in Webster County Magistrate Court at 9 a.m. today. The defendant had prior outstanding arrest warrants for second-degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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