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; contrary to 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.