Riley Township, MI – What started as weekend target practice quickly turned into a dangerous situation after gunfire from a residential property sent bullets beyond the intended shooting area, striking neighboring property and even penetrating a home.
Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting shots fired near Griffin Road and Hill Road in Riley Township. Callers told authorities that bullets had hit trees on their property, and in one case, a round pierced a house and struck a television inside.
Deputies responded to the area and were able to determine which residence the shots were coming from. After making contact with the homeowners, it was learned that individuals at the home were engaged in target shooting.
The problem was not the act of shooting itself. It was how it was being done.
According to authorities, the backstops being used were insufficient to safely contain the rounds. Without a proper barrier capable of stopping bullets, projectiles can travel well beyond the intended target area, creating serious risk to surrounding homes and anyone nearby.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Sheriff Mat King used the incident as a reminder that firearm ownership comes with responsibility.
“There is a certain responsibility one assumes when handling a firearm,” King said. “They must be aware of their surroundings; creating and maintaining a safe environment if target shooting, while taking into consideration nearby homes and properties. While we encourage outdoor activities and practice, please take care to do so safely and respectfully.”
In rural communities where backyard target shooting is common, proper backstops are critical. Experts consistently stress that safe target shooting requires a substantial earth berm or professionally rated bullet trap capable of fully absorbing rounds. Shooting toward open fields, tree lines, or makeshift barriers is not enough.
No charges have been announced at this time.
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