EVELETH — A Fayal Township man was charged with attempted murder Friday, Dec. 5, after allegedly shooting his father in the head.
Ryan James Moller, 36, was arrested Tuesday afternoon at his father’s home, about 7 miles southeast of Eveleth.
According to court filings, Moller shot his father in the head because of an argument.
The victim was transported to a Duluth hospital. The Eveleth Police Department said Friday that he is in stable condition and doing well.
Moller called for an ambulance around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday and said something about a bullet hole through the head, according to the criminal complaint.
Law enforcement found him on the road in front of his father’s home and observed a large pool of blood in the driveway and a blood trail leading into the home.
They found Moller’s father inside with a significant head wound, and he said Moller shot him.
The police found a handgun owned by Moller and a loaded magazine inside the house and a matching casing near the end of the driveway.
After his arrest, Moller was brought to a hospital to be medically cleared for jail.
A recommendation for bail from the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office stated Moller is struggling with untreated mental health issues, citing multiple incidents in the past two weeks since he lost his job.
“Defendant has refused any assistance and thinks his family is plotting against him,” according to the recommendation.
Moller’s mother told law enforcement he had been treated for schizophrenia for most of his life and had a mental health crisis about 15 years ago.
Just before the incident Tuesday, Moller attempted to pick up his children from school despite not having custody. When law enforcement intervened, Moller allegedly said, “This will be national news, you’ll see,” and “You’re inciting violence.”
The filing stated Moller is a public safety risk and a flight risk and requested bail be set at $750,000, which the judge granted.
Moller is charged with second-degree unpremeditated attempted murder, first-degree assault causing great bodily harm and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.
The most serious felony charge, attempted murder, can carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Moller’s next court appearance is set for Monday.
