Police probe unsafe target practicing that resulted in one resident almost being shot

The area of shooting appears to be between Portland Street and Eastern Ave. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police are investigating a pattern of dangerous target practicing earlier this month in which a bullet nearly struck a Regency Court residence.

It is one of several similar calls police have responded in recent weeks regarding gunfire between Portland Street and Eastern Avenue, specifically between the Monarch School of New England and Bridle Wood Condominiums.

On April 8 Police responded to Regency Court after a resident complained an errant shot had just gone past him. Police have returned to the area several times since the incident for similar complaints.

During their investigation police found evidence of handgun and shotgun use as well as what appears to be clay pigeons.

Police are asking that anyone who may have any information pertaining to the target practicing in this area contact them at 603-330-7128. Tipsters can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.

Police would like to remind residents who target practice to do so safely and adhere to the laws and safety precautions that exist to keep people safe. Also be sure to have permission from the landowner before using someone else's property.

Below is the text of relevant statute and safety tips put out by police on Tuesday.

THE LAW:

Per state law (NH RSA's 207:3-a, 207:3-c, and 644:13), you may not shoot across or within 15 feet of a road, or "within 300 feet of a permanently occupied dwelling without permission of the owner or the occupant of the dwelling or from the owner of the land on which the person discharging the firearm or shooting the bow and arrow is situated." You also may not discharge a firearm within the "compact part of a town or city," defined as "the territory within a town or city comprised of the following:
(a) Any nonresidential, commercial building, including, but not limited to, industrial, educational, or medical buildings, plus a perimeter 300 feet wide around all such buildings without permission of the owner.
(b) Any park, playground, or other outdoor public gathering place designated by the legislative body of the city or town.
(c) Any contiguous area containing 6 or more buildings which are used as either part- time or permanent dwellings and the spaces between them where each such building is within 300 feet of at least one of the others, plus a perimeter 300 feet wide around all the buildings in such area.

SAFETY TIPS: There are many tips people should adhere to when using firearms for target practice. Below are just a few more related to the incident described in this article to help prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.

• Do not shoot in the direction of any person, residence, business, park or other community area
• Get permission from landowners before shooting on someone else's property
• Ground level targets should have a proper backstop. Maintain the proper target height to ensure that the fired projectile, after passing through the target, hits the desired portion of the backstop.
• Shoot only at authorized targets. Use paper, cardboard or clay targets only. Do not shoot at glass, metals, plastics, or electronic components.
• As a courtesy, let your neighbors know you will be out shooting so they are aware
• Wear proper protective equipment such as ear and eye-wear etc... as well as wearing reflective, bright clothing.
• Bring with you first aid equipment and tourniquet in case of emergency.