No loophole here

An editorial printed in your paper, “A loophole of the highest caliber,” came to my attention today. In it, the editorial asks, “So, firing at or near a playground of unsuspecting children is OK?”

The answer is a resounding “no.” There is no loophole here. Here are charges that could be filed against someone if he or she indeed fired at a playground full of unsuspecting children: assault 3, assault 4, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief — or even attempted criminal mischief could apply if the shooter attempted to damage or actually damaged property. The specific crime and degree of the offense varies depending on the total damage amount involved.

In past incidents involving hunters shooting near a school in Alaska, the guns were not pointed at children or the playground. They were pointed at birds. The children were not put in any danger. If you need any more clarity on the issue, feel free to get in touch.

Megan A. Peters

Department of Public Safety

Information Officer II

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage