| Range Closure and Reopening April 30, 2010 |
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Investigation concludes stray bullet did not come from shooting range Police Media Release For Immediate Release April 30, 2010
Following investigation Lethbridge Regional Police have determined a stray bullet that struck a mini van along Stafford Road North earlier this month did not originate from the Lethbridge Fish and Game Range.
On April 10, 2010 a Dodge Caravan parked at a residence along the 100 block of Stafford Road North was damaged when a bullet struck the sliding passenger door window in the area where the glass covers the metal door frame. Contrary to some media reports the bullet did not smash through the window and was not found lodged near a child’s car seat. The bullet was recovered on the driveway below the window area among shards of glass. No one was inside the mini van at the time of the incident and no one was injured. The neighbourhood where the bullet terminated is located on the urban fringe of the city adjacent to pasture land and green space. Throughout the course of the investigation the Lethbridge Fish and Game Range has been fully cooperative with police. Police reviewed surveillance footage of the range and interviewed users who were in attendance the day of the incident. No careless or improper usage was identified. In addition satellite mapping was utilized to assist in determining the bullet’s trajectory. After examining all the evidence, investigators have concluded the bullet most likely originated from a rural area to the north/northwest and appears to have ricocheted off the pavement before striking the van. This area includes rural farmland, river bottom terrain and city parkland and police located evidence of firearms being discharged such as signs that have been shot at, dead wildlife and reports of frequent trespassers from the land owners. The bullet recovered in this incident – consistent with a .30 caliber jacketed round – is a relatively common type. Firearms that accommodate this ammunition are mass produced and inexpensive to purchase. Similarly the ammunition can be purchased cheaply and high power calibers of this variety can travel great distances. The findings of the investigation have been provided to the City of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Fish and Game Range as well as the owners of the vehicle. Police involvement in the matter is now concluded.
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