Wisconsin Man Arrested After Shooting Himself in Leg

Charges include firearm possession, child neglect, and probation violation

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A 45-year-old Wisconsin man named Carlos A. Lavariega was arrested after shooting himself in the leg on Wednesday afternoon. Police responded to a home in Beloit and found Lavariega with a gunshot wound. Further investigation led to charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of child neglect, and a probation violation. Another individual, Chelsey M. Sheltrown, was also arrested for three counts of child neglect and a straw purchase of a firearm.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence, felon firearm possession, and child endangerment in some Wisconsin communities. It also demonstrates the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to address these types of crimes.

The details

According to the Beloit Police Department, officers responded to a home on the 1900 block of House Street around 4:04 p.m. on Wednesday for reports of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They found Lavariega with an injured leg and took him to the hospital for treatment. Further investigation led to Lavariega's arrest for being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as three counts of child neglect and a probation violation. Chelsey M. Sheltrown was also arrested for three counts of child neglect and a straw purchase of a firearm.

  • Police responded to the incident on Wednesday, February 20, 2026 at 4:04 p.m.

The players

Carlos A. Lavariega

A 45-year-old Wisconsin man who was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of child neglect, and a probation violation.

Chelsey M. Sheltrown

An individual who was arrested for three counts of child neglect and a straw purchase of a firearm.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Carlos A. Lavariega at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges communities face with gun violence, felon firearm possession, and child endangerment. It demonstrates the importance of strong community-police partnerships to address these public safety concerns.