Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Captain Adam Vander Steeg
Phone: (262) 473-1372
Email: avandersteeg@whitewater-wi.gov
Whitewater Police Department Investigates Reckless Firearm Discharge
and Drug-Related Offenses
Whitewater, WI – May 22, 2026 – On May 13, 2026, officers with the Whitewater Police Department responded to 291 N. Fraternity Lane, in the City of Whitewater, after receiving a report from a resident who heard a loud bang inside their apartment. The resident reported observing a hole suddenly appear in the wall, followed by the room filling with dust and debris. While officers were responding, additional information was received by the Whitewater Communications Center indicating that a person in a neighboring apartment may be in possession of a firearm.
Officers quickly secured the scene and conducted an investigation with the assistance of the Whitewater Detective Bureau. The investigation ultimately led to the arrest of Eric Kramer, a 22-year-old Whitewater resident, after it was determined he had recklessly discharged a handgun inside his apartment. During the investigation, officers learned the fired round traveled through multiple walls and a television that was actively being used in a neighboring apartment. The round came within only a few feet of striking individuals who were inside the neighboring residence at the time of the incident.
Due to the circumstances surrounding the investigation, detectives sought and obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the execution of the search warrant, detectives located an additional gunshot hole in the ceiling that occurred during a previous incident involving the discharge of the handgun by Eric Kramer. Detectives located the handgun that was hidden inside the residence during the search warrant.
As a result of the investigation, Eric Kramer was arrested for the following offenses:
1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety(3 counts); contrary to Wisconsin State Statutes 941.30(1)
Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place; contrary to Wisconsin State Statutes 961.42(1)
Negligent Handling of a Weapon; contrary to Wisconsin State Statutes 941.20(1)(a)
Criminal Damage to Property; contrary to Wisconsin State Statutes 943.01(1)
Disorderly Conduct Use of a Dangerous Weapon; contrary to Wisconsin State Statutes 947.01(1)
Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine; contrary to Wisconsin State Statutes 961.41(1m)(cm)1g
Possession of Tetrahydrocannabinols; contrary to Wisconsin State Statutes 961.41(3g)(e)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; contraryto Wisconsin State Statutes 961.573(1)
Possession of an Illegally Obtained Prescription Medication; contrary to Wisconsin State Statutes 450.11(7)(h) and 450.11(9)(a)
Eric Kramer was confined in the Walworth County Jail on the charges. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is presumed innocent of all charges. Currently no further information is being released, as this is still an ongoing investigation.
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