Cloquet police are investigating what is believed to be a gang-related shooting on the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation in which the victim was shot in the foot, but investigators say he isn't providing much information because he fears for his life.
Investigator Darrin Berg said Cloquet police received a call from a Duluth hospital on Friday informing them that a 19-year-old man had been admitted to the emergency room with a gunshot wound. Berg and another investigator responded to the hospital, but the victim didn't want to talk to them.
"He's not talking to us based on his fear," Berg said. The investigator said there are indications that the Native Mob from the Twin Cities could have been involved in the shooting and it could involve a drug deal, but the investigation is continuing.
"We've been provided some information for the reason for it (the shooting), but we've not been able to substantiate it," Berg said.
Cloquet police executed two search warrants at residences on the reservation. Berg said blood evidence was recovered at one residence and a bullet was dug out of the floor at the other residence on Coffey Road.
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Evidence also was seized at the residence of the victim. Berg said police interviewed one man and he provided a questionable alibi.
Police are seeking two other men -- Michael William Siewert, 22, and Patrick Charles Lussier, 25 -- for questioning. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of either man is asked to call Cloquet police at (218) 879-1247.
Cloquet police are not releasing the name of the victim.
Under Minnesota law, law enforcement agencies can withhold the name of a victim if the victim requests not to be publicly identified, unless the agency reasonably determines that revealing the identity of the victim would not threaten the safety of the individual.
