Burnsville Man Charged After Firing Paintball Gun at Neighbors from Apartment Balcony
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA – A Burnsville man is facing felony and gross misdemeanor charges after allegedly firing a paintball-style weapon from his apartment balcony at neighbors below, causing panic and triggering a police response earlier this week.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, William Michael Aldam, 42, of Burnsville, was charged with Threats of Violence involving a Replica Firearm or BB Gun (a felony) and Possession of Ammunition by an Ineligible Person (a gross misdemeanor) following an incident on April 15, 2025 at the Felix Apartments, located in the 1400 block of 143rd Street West.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., Burnsville police responded to a weapons complaint at the apartment complex. Upon arrival, they spoke with a resident (Victim 1), who stated that Aldam, from his third-floor balcony, pointed and fired what appeared to be a handgun at him, his wife (Victim 2), and their daughter (Victim 3). Victim 1 told police Aldam accused him of holding a green bottle before firing. Officers recovered multiple small metal and clay projectiles on the ground near the victim's unit.
While Victim 2 did not see the weapon, she reported hearing the shots and feeling projectiles whizzing by, prompting her to grab her child and seek shelter indoors. All three individuals said they feared for their safety.
Police later located Aldam outside the building and took him into custody without incident. During a post-Miranda interview, Aldam admitted to shooting a paintball gun from his balcony but denied targeting people. Investigators later recovered two guns from Aldam’s apartment: a paintball-style CO2-powered gun that fires .50 caliber self-defense projectiles and resembles a real firearm, as well as live ammunition. Aldam is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to an ongoing civil commitment case in Dakota County. Officers also discovered a 3D printer and several gun parts in his apartment, raising concerns that Aldam had the ability to assemble a working firearm if he manufactured a gun frame.
Aldam made his first court appearance today, April 17, where the judge set bail at $50,000 without conditions, or $0 with conditions that include no contact with victims, no possession of weapons, and compliance with his mental health treatment plan. Court records show that Aldam would be allowed to remain in his residence, but would not be allowed on the first floor under the current conditions of his bail. At this time, it appears he has not posted bail and remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail in Hastings, Minnesota.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Aldam, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
Provided by Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
