Prior Lake man charged after firing rifle near elementary school

A Prior Lake man was charged after firing an AR-style rifle near an elementary school on Sunday, according to court documents.

Nicholas Hagen, 39, was charged with one count of intentionally discharging a firearm that endangered the safety of others, and one count of obstructing legal process.

According to a criminal complaint, officers patrolling near Five Hawks Elementary School shortly after 7 p.m. heard 15 to 20 loud “cracking noises.” As officers drove to the school, witnesses directed them to a home near Willow Lane and reported hearing about 25 to 30 shots.

Officers said Hagen briefly stepped outside, looked at them, and went back inside before coming out again a short time later. Police detained him and reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol.

Officers found several firearms and ammunition inside the home. In the garage, officers recovered an AR-style rifle and ammunition. The complaint...