Wis. man arrested after "openly" carrying semi-automatic rifle, Glock near school, police say

(CBS) MINNEAPOLIS - Mark J. Hoffman, a 23-year-old Wisconsin man, was arrested after he was spotted openly carrying two firearms within 1,000 feet of a middle school in Somerset, Wis., police say, according to CBS Minnesota.

Authorities say they were notified of a man carrying a gun in the vicinity of the school Tuesday afternoon. When police responded to the scene, they reportedly found Hoffman, of Somerset, carrying a semi-automatic AR-15-style rifle on a sling across his back and a Glock, semi-automatic .45 caliber pistol in a holster on his hip. Both weapons were in plain sight, the station reports.

When police questioned Hoffman about his intentions, he reportedly refused to give them any information, including his name, and insisted that he was within his rights.

Hoffman's original location which was reported in the 911 call was within 1,000 feet of a school where weapons are not permitted unless the person carrying the weapon falls under an exception made in the statute. Police say Hoffman initially made it impossible to determine whether he fell under the statute because he refused to identify himself.

Police later were able to determine his identity and arrested him for obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct. Both of Hoffman's weapons were found to have high capacity magazines and were loaded, the station reports.

Hoffman was booked and released at the St. Croix County Jail and the case is being referred to the St. Croix District Attorney.