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Residents report neighbor firing rounds; trustees say state law limits local bans
Summary
Residents told Austintown trustees that a neighbor is firing rounds for 'target practice' at a home behind them, and police said the shooter is in jail; trustees said the township lacks authority to ban on-property shooting and has contacted state representatives about possible statutory changes.
Residents raised public-safety concerns at the Austintown Township Board of Trustees’ June 15 meeting after neighbors reported a person shooting on a private property behind their homes.
Debbie and Eric Clark (5694 Colgate) and neighbor Kelly Bervish (5712 Colgate) said they have found random bullet holes across their properties and described the shots as occurring during so-called “target practice.” The Clarks and Bervish urged trustees to take action so residents can feel safe in their homes.
Trustee Robert Santos said the trustees had discussed firearms safety and the need for a legal backstop, but told the public the township’s options are constrained by state law. Administrator Mark D'Apolito said Austintown does not have home-rule authority and “can do nothing but follow what the state legislature mandates.” He and Santos said they have contacted the district’s state representatives about possible changes to state statute but cautioned that any legal change would require agreement across the General Assembly.
Police Chief Valorie Delmont told the board that the person discharging the firearm is in jail and described what constitutes an appropriate shooting backdrop, as had been raised by the trustees. Township officials said they will monitor the situation and coordinate with county and state authorities as needed.
The trustees did not adopt any immediate new regulations at the meeting; they reiterated that local prohibitions on on-property shooting would require a change in state law or other higher-authority action. Residents were advised to document incidents and to work with police on ongoing enforcement.
