ST. JOHN — The shooting victim in an apparent domestic incident has been identified as the stepson of the suspected shooter.
St. John Police Chief Vernon Ralston said the shooting victim was the man’s stepson who was about 40 to 50 years old. The victim survived an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported by ambulance to the Stafford County hospital and airlifted to Wichita. The victim was in a Fifth Wheel camper trailer in back of the residence when the shooting occurred.
A suspect believed to be involved in a shooting incident late Wednesday night is being held on the suspicion of attempted first degree murder. The Pratt County jail log indicates John M. Gunderson, 71, is being held on the suspicion of attempted first degree murder for a shooting at 221 South Exchange Street at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Stafford County Attorney Joe Shepack is working on filing criminal charges in Stafford County District Court.
The suspect was reportedly attempting to leave the scene in a white Dodge pickup. He was apprehended at the scene and booked into the Pratt County jail at 12:44 a.m. Thursday.
St. John police officers, Stafford County sheriff deputies and EMS personnel responded to the scene. Kansas Bureau of Investigation personnel were also assisting with the investigation.
Shooting victim identifeid as stepson