DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP, Minn. - An argument over a maple tree between two brothers ended in gunfire and criminal charges, according to authorities.
Wayne Harris Dierke, 54, was arrested and later charged with second-degree assault for an incident on June 6. Charges say Dierke was very angry about a small maple tree in their yard which was cut with a knife. When his brother came home he said Dierke had a revolver in his hand and was cursing and yelling.
The brother told police Dierke threatened to kill him and pointed the handgun at him saying, "you will die in hell, I'll make sure of it."
Charges say Dierke then pointed the gun at his brother who was in his truck, about six feet away. The brother told police he heard a shot and thought Dierke was trying to shoot at his truck tires. Dierke then fired a second shot in the air.
The brother drove away and told police he heard a third shot being fired as he was leaving.
When police arrived, they found two of Dierke's handguns, and noted the smell of gun powder coming from one.
Another deputy spoke with Dierke who said he got "red" and was so mad he can't remember what happened.
