Crime & Safety
Dane County, WI Shooting: Man Charged After Wrong Victim Shot
FITCHBURG, WI – A 25 year old Madison man is facing attempted homicide charges after police say he allegedly shot an innocent driver in Fitchburg, mistakenly believing the victim was someone involved
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-20T16:55:38.254Z
FITCHBURG, WI – A 25 year old Madison man is facing attempted homicide charges after police say he allegedly shot an innocent driver in Fitchburg, mistakenly believing the victim was someone involved in an earlier confrontation.
According to the Fitchburg Police Department , Michael Worthey, 25, was formally charged Monday, Oct. 19, in connection with a Sept. 3 shooting that left a 21 year old man with a life threatening gunshot wound.
Officers responded to the 1400 block of Post Road, where they discovered the wounded victim. He was transported to a local hospital and survived.
Investigators say the shooting followed an earlier altercation at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Fish Hatchery Road.
During that confrontation, Worthey allegedly pointed a firearm at another man, who subsequently left the area.
Police allege Worthey remained nearby, waiting for the individual to return.
When the 21 year old victim drove through the apartment complex parking lot, Worthey allegedly fired into his vehicle, mistakenly believing the driver was the man involved in the earlier dispute.
Investigators determined the victim had no connection to either individual involved in the confrontation.
On Sept. 8, authorities identified Worthey at a residence in the 1600 block of Fordem Avenue in Madison.
With assistance from the Madison Police Department 's SWAT team and federal ATF agents, investigators executed a search warrant and seized multiple firearms and firearm accessories.
Worthey, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, was arrested on a probation violation and taken to the Dane County Jail.
He now faces charges of attempted first degree intentional homicide, second degree recklessly endangering safety and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Police credited community members and local businesses for providing witness statements and surveillance footage that assisted investigators.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges are possible.
The allegations have not been proven in court.