Man arrested after shooting in rural Viroqua

A man was taken into custody after a shooting in rural Viroqua on May 6.

Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports in a news release that at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Monday, May 6, the sheriff’s office emergency dispatch center reported an altercation at a residence on West Smith Road in rural Viroqua/Westby, N.Y City was informed by Viroqua. It was reported that a firearm was fired during the altercation. Officers responded immediately and discovered the victim, a 41-year-old woman, was safe at another location. As officers set up the cordon, the suspect was seen running through a cornfield. The suspect, identified as Nakeil Jermaine Bettis, 44, was taken into custody around 11:30 a.m

The investigation continued. Evidence of a firearm being discharged was found and a handgun was later found.

Bettis was booked into the Vernon County Detention Center on charges of recklessly endangering safety, assault, disorderly conduct and domestic violence. Bettis appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court Monday afternoon for a bail hearing. Bail was set at $1,000 cash. Formal charges will be filed with Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher. On Monday around 7 p.m. the bail was paid and Bettis was released. He is due back in court on Wednesday, May 8.

The Viroqua Police Department, Viroqua Fire Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Sheriff’s Office. Vernon County Emergency Management also responded with aerial support via drones.

The incident remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office.