Red Oak Police report two men were arrested early Friday morning, after authorities received a report of shots fired in the 600 block area of Riverview Avenue, on the southwest side of Red Oak. The initial call that came in a little after 12-a.m. Friday, made it sound as if there had been an exchange of gunfire at that location. A preliminary investigation determined 36-year old Neil Todd Batten, of Red Oak, and 25-year old Kendall Brian Kuhlman, of Glidden, got into a verbal confrontation that escalated into the discharge of weapons.

Authorities say Kuhlman, who is Batten’s ex-brother in law, fired a round from a .20-gauge shotgun, into the air. Batten then fired three rounds from a .12-gauge shotgun, which was loaded with bird shot, into the driver’s side door of a 1998 Ford Explorer, which caused the driver’s side door window to be blown out, and the driver’s seat head rest and door panel to be riddled with birds shot. Police said “Fortunately, Kendall Brian Kulhman was not inside the [vehicle]…and was not hurt.”

Kuhlman retreated to the east of the residence, while Batten went back inside the home at 604 Riverview Drive. Both men dialed 9-1-1 to report the incident, which started over some text messages involving “family dynamics.” Batten faces felony charges that include Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Assault while participating in a felony, as well as misdemeanor charges of Assault while displaying a dangerous weapon (Aggravated misdemeanor), and Reckless use of a firearm (Simple misdemeanor). He was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail. Kuhlman faces simple misdemeanor charges of Reckless Use of a Firearm, and Interference with official acts. His cash bond was set at $300.

Red Oak Police were assisted at the scene by deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.