Bullets Fired in Field Hit Close to Residents

Multiple shots were reportedly fired near Hanson Elementary School June 2 at around 10 a.m., according to the sheriff's department.

Ramona resident Christine Griffin, who was outside with her husband at the time, called authorities after multiple shots came across the large acre field between Hanson Elementary and the equestrian trail and hit at close range to them in their yard.

"Those bullets came across several hundred yards into our yards where we were standing doing chores," Griffin said. "About ten shots fired in succession and about three bullets hit within feet of us."

Griffin also said the shots sounded like they came in the direction of the southside of Hanson Elementary. She and her husband have not yet found any bullets on their property, though they believe trees, haystacks and possibly their tractor were hit with bullets.

Two deputies responded to the incident to interview any witnesses. Some people reported seeing a teen in a white shirt with a rifle on Boundary Street.

The sheriff's department said the suspect was "gone on arrival" and has not been found. No other information about the incident was available.

"People who have guns teach their kids the responsible way to use guns," Griffin said. "We know that you can't go out to open areas and start shooting and things of that nature. That's what made us think that this is not normal behavior, this is not target practice."

According to county shooting regulations, it is against the law, except in instances of self defense, "for any person to discharge any pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle or any other firearm or device fired or discharged with explosives, at any place within the unincorporated territory of the County which is not a reasonably safe distance from all recreational areas, communities, roads or any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding."

"It is incidents like this that anger responsible gun owners, like myself, because it was needless, irresponsible and could have inflicted injury to myself, my husband and our animal," Griffin said.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to call up the Ramona Substation at 760-789-9157.