Father in weekend accidental shooting incident arraigned

A Palmer man is in critical condition after a firearm was accidentally discharged during a family argument.

Richard Lehto, 52, Palmer
Richard Lehto, 52, Palmer

Troopers from the Negaunee Post of the Michigan State Police were dispatched to the single family residence in Richmond Township around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday to investigate a shooting incident between two family members. Police say one of the two males was accidentally struck by an errant shot and transported by ambulance to Marquette General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The other male was brought to the Michigan State Police Post in Negaunee and arrested on weapons related offenses. He has been identified as 52-year-old Richard Lehto.

Lehto was arraigned on Monday in Marquette County District Court for assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, weapons firearm use under the influence causing impairment, and domestic violence, third offense. Lehto will be back in court on March 26th for a preliminary exam. He is currently lodged in the Marquette County Jail on a $227,500 bond.

The Marquette County Sheriff Department, Richmond Township First Responders and Marquette General EMS assisted at the scene.