Gun Attack on Cochrane Pickleball Court: As Western enthusiasts embraced their cowboy spirit at the Cochrane Lions Rodeo, a troubling situation unfolded across town. Residents in Cochrane have reported incidents of vandalism involving a pellet gun, with vehicles parked near the pickleball courts at 417 1st Street East being targeted. This unsettling behavior has left several vehicles on Baird Avenue damaged, sparking concern among the local pickleball community.
Pickleball Club Member Highlights the Issue
Georg Paffrath, a member of the Cochrane Pickleball Club, has been particularly affected, with his vehicle struck three times. It took some time for club members to connect the dots and realize that their cars were being used as targets. A former police officer within the club identified the damage as consistent with pellet gunfire.
“All of a sudden, everybody started realizing that they had pot shots taken at their cars, and the more we compared notes and looked at cars… the last I heard we’re well over 10 heading to 20 people. So we’re hoping with the police reports each one of us has submitted that something happens there.” – (Paffrath)
Pattern of Attacks Revealed
Reports suggest that the vandalism is not an isolated incident. Several pickleball players noted similar damage—three pellet gunshots on the passenger side of their vehicles—after parking in almost the same location.
Paffrath speculates that the shooter is frustrated with the noise from the pickleball games or possibly angered by cars parking on the street, though no parking restrictions are in place in the area.
Public Safety Concern
The damage to personal property is concerning, but Paffrath emphasizes that the greater issue is the public safety risk posed by firing a gun across streets in town. The Cochrane RCMP is actively investigating the incidents but has yet to gather sufficient evidence to make arrests.
Cst. Clayton Gelinas from the Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit stated,
“The information gathered at this time has not led to sufficient evidence to allow for the arrest and charge of any individuals, and (we) are asking the public to please keep diligent and report any suspicious activity in the area.”
News in Brief: Gun Attack on Cochrane Pickleball Court
In Cochrane, several vehicles parked near the pickleball courts on 1st Street East have been vandalized by a pellet gun, causing minor damage. Georg Paffrath, a pickleball club member, reported that his vehicle was hit three times, and similar damage has been observed on over 10 vehicles.
The Cochrane RCMP is investigating but lacks sufficient evidence for arrests. The vandalism may be linked to noise complaints or parking issues, though no restrictions are in place. Public safety remains a significant concern as pellet gun fire poses risks to pedestrians.
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