BRODHEAD — Endangering the safety of a child, a Brodhead man was taken into custody after firing shots Oct. 19 in the 1400 block of West 4th Ave. Police received several 911 calls at 4:46 p.m. about shots being fired. 

Police talked with witnesses and conducted an investigation, recovering handguns and several bullet casings. Brian Vaade, 37 of Brodhead, was found intoxicated by police and placed in custody for possessing a firearm while intoxicated and recklessly endangering safety.

Vaade was arrested for being armed while intoxicated and recklessly endangering safety, and was held in the Green County Sheriff’s Jail. This occurred only hours after being arrested for driving while intoxicated in the town of Decatur.

The Brodhead Police Department was assisted by the Green County Sherriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, and Green County Children and Youth Services.

Brodhead Police Chief Chris P. Hughes said Vaade was arrested about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, by the Green County Sheriff’s Office for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Vaade was traveling south on Race Road when he lost control due to pea gravel, exited the road and collided with a tree. Vaade and his passenger both reported being uninjured and wearing their seatbelts. In addition to a first offense of OWI, Vaade also cited for operating without a valid license — second within three years.

Hughes stated the incident at the residence is still an ongoing investigation due to the welfare concerns police have for the spouse and the child.

“We are not sure if this incident is related to the other shots fired call police responded on Monday night,” said Hughes. 

Brodhead Dispatch received several 911 calls around 10:49 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18, from within a 2-block radius of the residence. Police are still investigating this incident, and encourage anyone with information to call the non-emergency line at 608-897-2112.