Grant County, WI – A fishing dispute at O’Leary’s Lake escalated Tuesday morning when a Dubuque man reportedly displayed a handgun during an argument.

Payton L. Walker, 28, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct following the incident.
According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was received at 8:17 AM on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from an individual fishing at O’Leary’s Lake, located off Eagle Point Road in the Town of Jamestown. The caller reported that a man had pulled a gun on him over a fishing spot.
Grant County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene, assisted by deputies from Jo Daviess County, Illinois, and officers from the East Dubuque Police Department. Upon their arrival, authorities learned that two individuals, who had been fishing in close proximity, got their lines tangled, leading to a verbal altercation. During the argument, Payton L. Walker allegedly displayed a handgun.
Investigators confirmed that Walker did not point the weapon at anyone, and no injuries were reported. Following an investigation,

Walker was taken into custody and transported to the Grant County Jail, where he was booked on one count of disorderly conduct. He was later able to post bond and has since been released.

As per Wisconsin Statute §950.04, the names of victims and witnesses to the incident have been withheld. All persons arrested or referred for charges by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, and an arrest only indicates that probable cause exists to bring formal charges.