East Mountains seeing rise in illegal shooting

A Bernalillo County commissioner is urging care and respect as more than 30 incidents of illegal shooting have been reported in the East Mountains area recently.

“Whether the coronavirus pandemic public health order has you looking for something to do or you are hunting, I’m urging everyone to practice safety in the East Mountain community and throughout the county,” Commissioner Charlene Pyskoty said in a news release Thursday. “These are people’s homes, pets, livestock, and children that can be victims of a stray bullet. Please preserve the peace and quiet that we enjoy in our rural areas by discharging your firearms only at approved shooting ranges.”

According to the county, 35 reports of illegal firearm discharge have been reported to the Sheriff’s Office East Area Command in the last 30 days.

Questions about firearms laws should be directed to the Sheriff’s Office at 505-798-7000.