Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Cole Wascher appears via polycam from the Ontonagon County Jail during his arraignment in 98th District Court Monday. He is accused of shooting a 23-year-old Ontonagon man after first threatening him with a gun.

ONTONAGON — A Greenland Township man pleaded not guilty Monday to two felony counts related to a shooting Sunday morning. 

Cole Wascher, 24, allegedly shot a 23-year-old Ontonagon man in Greenland Township Sunday morning. The victim told police Wascher had threatened him with a firearm – revealed to be a 9-millimeter handgun in court Monday. When the victim tried to defend himself, Wascher shot him, the Michigan State Police Wakefield Post said in a release Monday.

The victim was listed in fair condition at Aspirus Wausau Hospital Monday afternoon.

Wascher appeared in 98th District Court for his arraignment Monday afternoon. He is charged with assault with intent to murder, a felony punishable by up to life in prison, and felony firearm, a two-year felony.

Bail was set at $200,000. Wascher’s preliminary hearing was set for 10 a.m. March 2.

Wascher was barred from guns, alcohol or contact with the victim. According to police reports, alcohol played a part in the incident, Judge Janis Burgess said Monday.

Police responded to a 911 call around 8:35 a.m. Sunday, the Michigan State Police Wakefield Post said in a release. The victim was taken to Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital, from which he was later transferred to Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Area law enforcement located Wascher Sunday and took him into custody. Wascher was lodged in the Ontonagon County Jail. 

The Marquette Forensic Lab, MSP Iron Mountain Post and Ontonagon County Sheriff Department assisted with the investigation.