Nicholas Orion Carlson and his girlfriend were discussing their relationship Sunday night at her parents’ Farmington home when he allegedly pointed a gun at her.

When she tried to escape by running up the basement stairs, Carlson shot her four times, according to criminal charges filed Wednesday in Dakota County District Court.

Prosecutors have charged Carlson, 35, with second-degree attempted murder (with intent to kill), first-degree assault (resulting in great bodily harm) and second-degree assault (with a dangerous weapon/substantial bodily harm) in connection with shooting the 25-year-old woman.

The injured woman, who is identified in the criminal complaint by the initials KH, made it outside and into the driveway, where she collapsed. Her parents, whom she and Carlson were living with, helped her.

Rushed to the hospital, she underwent emergency surgery for an injured abdomen and left hand. Despite surgery, she lost part of one finger.

“This appears to be another case of domestic violence that almost took a life in our community,” Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom said in a statement Wednesday. “We wish the victim well in her recovery from this violent crime.”

Besides minor traffic violations, Carlson has not been convicted of crimes in Minnesota, state court records show.

According to the criminal complaint:

Police were called to the home in the 18300 block of Exodus Court just before 9 p.m. Sunday after the victim’s mother reported that Carlson shot her daughter and that he was in the house.

The victim was lying in the driveway with multiple wounds and covered in blood. She was conscious and “crying uncontrollably,” according to charges. For safety reasons, she was moved down the street, where medics responded.

Officers called Carlson by phone and he admitted that he pointed a gun at his girlfriend “but that it was not his intent to shoot her,” the charges read. After about 40 minutes, Carlson came out of the house and was arrested without incident.

On Wednesday, Dakota County District Judge Jerome Abrams set bail at $1 million without conditions and $500,000 with conditions. Carlson remained jailed Wednesday evening.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 19.