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Hector man shot, Fairfax man in custody

Charges pending in Renville County

Staff photo by Fritz Busch A 55-year-old Hector man, Kenneth M. Eckstein, suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and face at Weis Oil Co., 600 Lincoln Ave. E., Fairfax, Friday morning, according to the Renville County Sheriff’s Office.

FAIRFAX — A Fairfax man was arrested Friday after shooting a 55-year-old Hector man in the face at a service station in Fairfax.

Authorities took the 60-year-old Fairfax man into custody Friday morning after the Hector man, Kenneth M. Eckstein, suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and face, according to the Renville County Sheriff’s Office.

The Renville County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at around 8 a.m. Friday from Weis Oil Co., 600 Lincoln Ave. E., near the intersection of State Highways 4 & 19.

The caller told the dispatcher that Eckstein, who was inside the office of the business, had been shot in the hand and face, according to a sheriff’s office news release.

In addition, the caller that the assailant, a 60-year-old Fairfax man, had been disarmed.

Arriving at the scene, officers arrested the suspect, who was not an employee at the business.

Eckstein was treated at the scene for his injuries and later flown to North Memorial Health, Robbinsdale. Eckstein underwent surgery Friday. His condition was not known Friday late afternoon as he remained in recovery.

The suspect is being held in the Renville County Jail pending formal charges by the Renville County Attorney’s Office. He is expected to make a first appearance in Renville County District Court at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Details of the shooting incident and possible motives were not available as of Friday afternoon.

“Our prayers go out to everyone involved,” said Fairfax Smart Mart Manager Carriebeth Glatz. Smart Mart is located in the same building as Weis Oil Co. but is a separate business.

Assisting agencies included the Renville County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax Police, Fire and Ambulance Departments, the Minnesota State Patrol, North Ambulance-Redwood Falls, and North Air Care.

fbusch@nujournal.com

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