JC wrestling coach arrested: Cole accused of discharging rifle during domestic altercation

Jamestown College’s head wrestling coach was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly discharged a firearm during a domestic altercation in his home, according to the Jamestown Police Department.

Police Chief Dave Donegan said police responded to the home of Cisco J. Cole, 36, 416 Fourth St. SW, around 2 p.m. after the report of a domestic altercation between Cole and his wife. Cole and his wife had been in a verbal dispute when Cole allegedly picked up a .30-caliber rifle and fired it into the ceiling of a basement bedroom, police said.

The bullet passed through the basement’s ceiling as well as the hardwood living room floor, police said. The bullet fragmented into at least three pieces, Donegan said. One of the pieces penetrated a wall in the living room.

No one was injured, Donegan said, but two children, ages 1 and 2, were in the living room when the weapon was discharged. Two rifles and a shotgun were seized from the residence, police said.

Cole was charged with reckless endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Cole was released from custody Wednesday on a personal recognizance bond.

Cole has been the head coach for the Jimmie men’s wrestling program since 2007. He’s also the head coach of the women’s program, which he started in the 2008-09 season.

Jamestown College Athletic Director Lawrie Paulson said the college had not made any decisions regarding Cole, saying officials hadn’t even visited with Cole regarding the allegations as of Wednesday afternoon.

Before Jamestown College, Cole was an assistant coach at St. Cloud (Minn.) State University. He previously was also an assistant coach for Dana College, assisting with the 2005 team, which claimed the NAIA national title and earning the scoring record for most points ever at the national wrestling tournament.

Sun reporter Katie Ryan-Anderson can be reached at 701-952-8454 or by email at kryan-anderson@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, jamestown college, sports, news, jimmies, crime