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Report of 'shots fired' last night near Austin Park determined by police to be unfounded

By Howard B. Owens

A single complaint of popping sounds, possible gun fire, prompted police patrols to check the Austin Park area last night around 10 p.m., but after a "vigorous check" nothing was found to substantiate the complaint, said Chief of Police Shawn Heubusch.

The caller reported a rapid succession of pops, at least 10 of them, coming from the area of the park.

Police patrols responded and after an extensive search of the area, found no evidence of gun fire.

Heubusch said several people in the area of Austin Park were interviewed and no information was uncovered to substantiate the report.

There were no other callers reporting any sounds coming from Austin Park.

At the same time, there was a report of a loud noise on Walnut Street and a check of the area uncovered nothing significant.

Howard B. Owens

Well, they could all be out on patrol ... if all patrols are on the road at that time of night, then there would be no personnel in the headquarters.

There was some interesting chatter during the call. The jail's sallyport was open at the time and a police officer radioed to the jail to double check on them, and nothing unusual there was the reply.

Oct 17, 2014, 3:29pm Permalink
Ed Hartgrove

10 "pops" in rapid succession? In NY?

No wonder they didn't find anybody. Doesn't that amount run afoul of NYSafe?

Ya don't suppose this could've been done as a way for the city PD to show the need for the purchase of Shotspotter. Naw, that'd be stretching it. Wouldn't it?

Oct 17, 2014, 4:42pm Permalink

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