Police Determine Report of Gun in Park was a Pellet Gun

Published on September 18, 2026

On Friday, September 18, 2026, at approximately 12:08 p.m., La Crosse Police responded to 400 King Street, Cameron Park, for a report of an individual with a possible gun. It was reported an individual may have what appeared to be a gun inside the park and had loaded it. Officers quickly arrived on scene, located the individual matching the description and made contact with Robert P. Gardner (06/11/1999). Upon further investigation, officers determined the weapon was a CO2 Pellet gun and was in Mr. Gardner’s backpack, unloaded. Mr. Gardner did not point the pellet gun at anyone or make any threats during the incident. During the course of the investigation, officers learned Mr. Gardner was in violation of his supervision terms. He was placed under arrest for a probation violation and transported to La Crosse County Jail. Mr. Gardner is innocent until proven guilty in a court law. 

The La Crosse Police Department wants to thank the community members who reported this situation. Although the weapon was determined to be a pellet gun and no one was directly threatened, the department treats every firearm call with the highest level of urgency to ensure the public remains safe. 

Arrested:

Robert P. Gardner (06/11/1999)

Charge: 

973.10 Probation Violation