Multiple charges filed against father after toddler shot with BB gun in northern Minnesota

A northern Minnesota man is facing multiple charges after his toddler was allegedly shot in the eye with a BB gun, according to the Aitkin County Sheriff's Office.

The 2-year-old's mother had brought the child to the emergency room at Riverwood Healthcare Center to be treated for serious injuries on Monday. The child was later airlifted to a Twin Cities hospital.

As of Friday afternoon, there was no word on the child's condition.

Authorities state the father, identified as Dale Vernon Preston, 38, from McGregor, was allegedly taking care of the child when the injury occurred. Police did not specify in a news release what led to the child being injured.

The sheriff's office conducted a search warrant on Preston's home, which led to his arrest.

Preston has been formally charged on several counts, including two counts of felony assault in the third degree, two counts of felony child endangerment, storing methamphetamine paraphernalia near a child, domestic assault, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bail has been set at $2,500 with conditions, bond at $25,000 with conditions or bail/bond at $75,000 with no conditions.

Preston is scheduled to appear in court again on Feb. 25.