DEER PARK - Police here think three juveniles were taking target practice at windows when they sprayed 15 to 20 rounds from a .22-caliber rifle into the neighborhood Monday, injuring an elderly woman.
Some of the bullets streaked over picnic tables at Ann's Tots Wonderland child care center - tables that often are filled with young children.
Two bullets tore holes in the center's vinyl siding. Two more shattered an upstairs window in the house, which was filled with 25 children, 18 months to 8 years old.
"Thank God no kids were outside," said Shirley Leach, owner of the child care center on Webster Avenue. "But I'm not concerned about staying here. This is usually a nice, quiet neighborhood. I think this was an isolated case."
One bullet hit Freda Methven, 82, of Glenway Avenue, as she sat in her living room. It creased her scalp, and could have been fatal if it had hit slightly lower, said her husband, Warren.
Mrs. Methven, who was resting at home Tuesday, pointed out the blood-streaked trail of the bullet on the left side of her head. "I'm OK," but still shaken by the incident, she said.
Police Chief Michael Berens said the boys were alone in the home when they shot the rifle inside the house, then fired it out of an upstairs window. He said the boys had not been in trouble before. Police confiscated the rifle, as well as a shotgun and pellet gun. They are trying to determine who owns the guns, and are talking to the prosecutor about possible charges against the parents and - or gun owner.
An 11-year-old boy, who lives in the Webster Avenue house where the shootings occurred, will make his first court appearance today in Hamilton County Juvenile Court. He is charged with firing into a school or occupied structure, and felonious assault, both felonies, Chief Berens said.
A 15-year-old Kennedy Heights boy, charged with firing into a school or occupied structure, made a preliminary appearance in court Tuesday.He is scheduled for trial Aug. 6 in juvenile court. Both boys are being held in the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center.
The third boy, a 14-year-old from Kennedy Heights, was charged with discharging a firearm within city limits, a misdemeanor. He was released to his mother.
Most neighbors questioned by a reporter Monday said they did not hear the shots, but were shocked when they learned about the incident. Police said the gunshots were an isolated incident and saw no reason for the community to be alarmed.
Kristen DelGuzzi contributed to this report.
