On 05/20/2021, at approximately 12:49 pm, the Watertown Police Department responded to the 500 block of 1st Avenue NW for a report of a male shooting a gun. Officers arrived on the scene, contacted John Harms (31 years old from Watertown, SD), and determined the gun was a pellet gun. 

During the investigation, officers searched John’s vehicle and located methamphetamine residue and marijuana. John was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana less than two ounces, and possession of drug paraphernalia. John is also currently on probation. 

Officers searched John’s residence, and a firearm was located. Charges have been referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for the firearm. 

The Watertown Police Department was assisted by the Codington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.