A 20-year-old Apple Valley man, identified as Kaleb Michael Hilden, has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for shooting a man in the face at a local park in 2023. According to court records filed in Dakota County, the plea agreement follows the incident at Johnny Cake Ridge Park, where the victim survived a gunshot wound to the jaw.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred on the evening of June 29, 2023. According to the criminal complaint filed by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Apple Valley police officers responded to reports of a shooting at Johnny Cake Ridge Park. Upon arrival, investigators found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the face.
Witnesses at the scene informed law enforcement that the victim had been sitting in a vehicle when an individual, later identified as Hilden, approached the car. Following a brief verbal altercation, Hilden fired a single shot, striking the victim in the jaw. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment and survived the injury.
Legal Proceedings and Plea Agreement
Hilden was initially charged with multiple felony counts, including second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person. On August 15, 2024, Hilden appeared in Dakota County District Court and entered a guilty plea to the charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.
Under the terms of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the remaining charges. The court has scheduled Hilden’s sentencing for October 2024. According to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines, the presumptive sentence for second-degree assault involving a firearm typically carries a mandatory minimum prison term, though the final duration will be determined by the presiding judge based on Hilden’s criminal history and the specifics of the case.
Public Safety and Community Impact
Johnny Cake Ridge Park, a popular recreational area in Apple Valley, saw a temporary increase in police presence following the event. Local authorities characterized the shooting as a targeted incident rather than a random act of violence.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Dakota County Attorney’s Office to address gun-related violence in the region. As of this report, Hilden remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail awaiting his final sentencing hearing.
Case Summary
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Kaleb Michael Hilden |
| Charge | Second-degree assault (guilty plea) |
| Date of Incident | June 29, 2023 |
| Location | Johnny Cake Ridge Park, Apple Valley |
| Status | Awaiting sentencing in October 2024 |
This report is based on official filings from the Dakota County District Court. Further updates regarding the sentencing phase will be provided as they become available through the court’s public record system.