Shooting at stop signs is dangerous

To the editor:

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the dangerous and reckless use of firearms to shoot at stop signs, a seemingly minor act of vandalism that nearly cost us our lives.

Recently, while my husband and I were watching TV in our home, a bullet entered our house and traveled 25 feet through our family room. It shattered a glass patio door, scattering shards across the room, then pierced a 3-inch wood panel, sending fragments flying. We were sitting just 3 feet from its path. If either of us had leaned forward at that moment, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

We found shell casings near a stop sign approximately one-quarter mile from our home, indicating that the shots were fired in that direction. 

What may have seemed like harmless mischief to the shooter carried the potential for devastating, unintended consequences. 

One of those bullets entered our home.

The point of submitting this letter is to inform the community of the unintended consequences of these actions. I see signs with bullet holes frequently throughout the county. For those that engaged in this activity, you may well be unintentionally taking a life or causing great harm. 

For those that hear of such activity, I urge you to take some action to prevent a tragedy.

Sincerely,

Pauline Williamson

Portland