Target shooter fires accidental shots near Shakopee sports stadium

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Police in Shakopee, Minnesota say someone target shooting without the proper precautions fired accidental shots near a sports stadium Monday night while high school baseball players were practicing on the field. 

According to the Shakopee Police Department, shortly before 5:30 p.m. officers responded to a report of shots fired near Tahpah Park and Joe Schleper Stadium. In addition to the Shakopee High School baseball players practicing on the field, there were also other members of the public at the park at the time, Police Chief Jeff Tate said. 

Based on witness reports, authorities believe the shots were fired accidentally by someone target shooting on the other side of Highway 169 from the field without a proper backstop in place, 

Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen said this is concerning given the busy area. 

“Know what’s behind that,” the sheriff said. “Always just be aware where that bullet can go, how far it can really travel if you were to mistakenly miss the target or the backdrop. Know where that could end up.” 

No one was injured and authorities say there is no continued threat to the public. 

“We are very thankful that no one was hurt—the kids on the fields and all of those who were traveling on the four lanes of traffic on 169,” Tate said in an email to FOX 9. 

Authorities are reminding people to know the city’s hunting regulations and to take every safety measure possible when using firearms. 

Arvid Sornberger, a neighbor who heard the shots and is an avid hunter himself, said hunters should be aware of where they are when they are target shooting and the range of their gun. 

"You are out in the fields, borderline houses out there, maybe not good to shoot in this direction," Sornberger said.