Campers wary of target shooting near campsites

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. - As the Douglas County Sheriff's Office investigates the shooting death ofa 60-year-old man in the Rainbow Falls Park area over the holiday weekend, campers expressedconcerns over the location of a target shooting area across the road from a campsite.

"We usually hear gunshots on the other side over here," said Cindy Mendoza who was camping withher family in the same area of the Pike National Forest where the deadly shooting happened.

Mendoza and her family strategically placed their camper up against a rocky area, with their familyprotected by the camper and the rocks on either side.

"You know, have it just on both sides to make sure everything is alright," she said.

This comes after the family heard the news that 60-year-old Glenn Martin was likely hit and killed byan errant bullet from a high-powered rifle during a family camping trip here over the holidayweekend.

"Just like that in a matter of seconds for that to happen, and a life lost so suddenly," Mendoza said.

A target shooting area is located just across the road from where families camp, hike, bike and rideATVs. Given how far a bullet can travel, Mendoza says it's a little too close for comfort.

"I think it should be a little further [away], being that a lot of families come out here with theirchildren and stuff," she said.

It's a sentiment reiterated on the 7NEWS Facebook page. One person wrote: "Makes me scared togo camping with my kids."

While the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Martin are unknown, the DouglasCounty Sheriff's Office is reminding shooters to pay attention to the posted signs.

"Part of owning a gun is that responsibility of being aware of your targeted area," sheriff's officespokesman Sgt. Ron Hanavan said.

According to posted signs, target shooters should always shoot directly into a solid earth backdrop.Know the area. Only shoot where allowed. And never shoot across a road or trail.

Martin's family said they believe a shooter may have acted irresponsibly, sending a bullet flying intotheir campsite and fatally wounding Martin in front of his grandchildren, as they were getting readyto roast marshmallows.

"That person doesn't know what they took from us, from everyone," Martin's daughter, Carlie, saidat a Monday news conference.

The family and the sheriff's office continues to ask any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Officetip line at 303-660-7579. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/after-camper-is-killed-by-apparent-stray-bullet-some-are-wary-of-target-shooting-near-campsites