EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Sunland Park Police Department and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to launch a coordinated enforcement and outreach effort to address outdoor recreational shooting that has worried residents in Santa Teresa and Sunland Park.
In recent weeks, residents have reported stray bullets striking homes during weekend gatherings out in the desert. These gatherings are often accompanied by loud music and unsafe target shooting.
As KTSM has previously reported, residents have been asking Doña Ana County to take action before someone got hurt.
Sunland Park said that its police officers and deputies with DASO will work together and will closely monitor areas with frequent weekend gatherings to deter unsafe firearm use.
“These incidents have raised serious concerns about public safety, noise disturbances, and property damage. As part of this initiative, City police and County deputies will work together through a cross-commissioned enforcement effort and increasing patrols capabilities in areas where illegal or unsafe shooting activity is reported,” the news release said.
“Recreational shooting can quickly become dangerous when it happens too close to homes or without proper safety precautions,” Sunland Park Deputy Chief Andres Morales said. “Our goal is to prevent accidents, protect families, and ensure the community can feel safe in their own neighborhoods.”
As part of a broader effort, the Sunland Park Police Department and City leadership recently met with Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office to renew a collaborative commitment to both County and City residents.
“The County takes these safety concerns seriously and is reviewing the situation in coordination with law enforcement, legal counsel, and other partner agencies,” Dona Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart said. “This renewed partnership includes the sheriff cross-commissioning all Sunland Park police officers, a step that strengthens our shared ability to address public safety issues such as trespassing on private property and to work together proactively on community concerns.”
While the reported activity appears to occur on private property, the County and City are exploring options within their authority to help reduce risk and protect the safety of residents and property in the surrounding area, the news release said.
Additionally, existing trespassing signs are being reviewed to improve visibility and awareness of restricted zones and private property boundaries.
Public education and outreach will be expanded to remind residents and visitors of firearm safety responsibilities and legal consequences.
Residents are encouraged to report any unsafe shooting activity to the non-emergency dispatch at (575) 526-0795 or call 911 in case of an immediate threat.
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