Negligent discharge at Elk Neck Rifle Range last night. The short story:
Approximately 1705. Cold range. Several people downrange adjusting/retrieving targets. White male late 20s/early 30s picks up pistol, asks male friend "how do I know if it is empty?" He is approached by two other patrons and told to not handle firearms while people are downrange. Female of the group responds "it's empty." First rule of firearms is explained to the group, followed by reference to the specific range rules. Individuals are generally non-compliant when given this information in a calm, courteous fashion.
Approximately 1715 , range is still cold, ear protection is off, and a rifle discharges while people are still downrange. Individual holding rifle in the lane next to those who are downrange is standing in front of the firing line and yells "I thought it was a spent casing, was trying to get it out." Nobody injured. Individual was yelled at by several patrons.
Exactly 1717, call goes to 911. Events explained. DNR and Harford County Sheriff's Office do not have units in Cecil County at the time, response would be approximately 45 minutes. Information was relayed including the offending individual's vehicle: Silver Chevrolet Equinox or Traverse, Delaware plate, PC84547. Duty officer was appreciative and indicated they would put a call out to identify the individual and give him some 'feedback' on his actions. Legal action would be possible if the individuals who were downrange at the time wanted to press charges.
Those are the straight facts. I will reserve opinions and personal comments for another post.
-edit-
Mis-typed the date in the title, should read 20 Nov 11.
Approximately 1705. Cold range. Several people downrange adjusting/retrieving targets. White male late 20s/early 30s picks up pistol, asks male friend "how do I know if it is empty?" He is approached by two other patrons and told to not handle firearms while people are downrange. Female of the group responds "it's empty." First rule of firearms is explained to the group, followed by reference to the specific range rules. Individuals are generally non-compliant when given this information in a calm, courteous fashion.
Approximately 1715 , range is still cold, ear protection is off, and a rifle discharges while people are still downrange. Individual holding rifle in the lane next to those who are downrange is standing in front of the firing line and yells "I thought it was a spent casing, was trying to get it out." Nobody injured. Individual was yelled at by several patrons.
Exactly 1717, call goes to 911. Events explained. DNR and Harford County Sheriff's Office do not have units in Cecil County at the time, response would be approximately 45 minutes. Information was relayed including the offending individual's vehicle: Silver Chevrolet Equinox or Traverse, Delaware plate, PC84547. Duty officer was appreciative and indicated they would put a call out to identify the individual and give him some 'feedback' on his actions. Legal action would be possible if the individuals who were downrange at the time wanted to press charges.
Those are the straight facts. I will reserve opinions and personal comments for another post.
-edit-
Mis-typed the date in the title, should read 20 Nov 11.
