Citadel cadet shot while duck hunting, one in custody

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WADMALAW ISLAND, SC (WCSC) -A Johns Island man has been charged with shooting a Citadel cadet on a Wadmalaw Island hunting ground Monday night. 48 year old danny Rowsey is charged with assault and battery with intent to kill.

Authorities say the victim, Citadel junior William Callegari was duck hunting with friends when he was shot twice. The shooting happened in an open field near McCants road and Brigger Hill Road. Deputies say the suspect fired from a deer stand 200 yards away. "As you can imagine there was a lot of confusion at the scene," said Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon.

Authorities say Rowsey admitted firing one shot at the victim. He said he thought the cadet was a deer. But cops say two shots were fired because the cadet had two exit wounds in his chest. "It appeared one came through the armpit area and the other in the area of the shoulder as it's been described to be," said Sheriff Cannon.

The sheriff said the scope on the rifle allegedly used in the shooting played a part in the decision to make the arrest. "This was a high powered deer rifle, meaning it's a pretty substantial impact," he said. "Two hundred yards is well within the effective range of that kind of rifle."

Tuesday, a sheriff's helicopter was back at the scene searching for evidence from above, while deputies searched on the ground.

Calligari is being treated for his wounds at MUSC. The hospital is not releasing any information on his condition.