Stanford restricts unlawful discharge of firearms

Reports of repeated gunshots on Lancaster Street and other areas of town have prompted the city of Stanford to pass a new ordinance restricting the unlawful discharge of firearms within city limits.

The issue was brought to the Stanford City Council’s attention by citizen Jane Vanhook during the council’s June meeting.

“I really didn’t want it to come to this but we’ve got a little issue on Lancaster Street that has become a major issue, as far as I’m concerned, and that is shooting, like a lot of shooting,” Vanhook said.

Vanhook said the city did not have an ordinance prohibiting it and she has heard shooting in various places across town.

“There’s just a lot of shooting going on and my problem is the shooting is very close to me. It’s over our land,’ she said. “Sometimes it’s 10 shots. But honestly I have counted and it’s up to 50 shots.”

Vanhook said she hadn’t contacted police because there was no city ordinance against it.

The shooting typically occurs on Sunday afternoons, sometimes after dark, she said.

During the June meeting, council members discussed how to tackle the issue.

Stanford Mayor Dalton Miller said it could be considered a nuisance violation.

City attorney John Hackley said if someone is firing across Vanhook’s property it could be considered wanton endangerment.

Vanhook said the shooting is making it unsafe for her to walk, mow or enjoy portions of their land.

Hackley presented an ordinance restricting the unlawful discharge of firearms in city limits during the July council meeting.

The council approved a first reading of the ordinance.

The ordinance states that it will be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to shoot or discharge firearms within the confines of the city, unless necessary or proper for the protection of person or property, except upon an approved firing range.

Due to the imminent threat of danger to person or property, the ordinance was declared an emergency ordinance and therefore only required one reading. The ordinance took effect immediately upon approval of council and signature of the mayor.

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