Jason Kandel

Man Struck by Random Gunfire at Golf Course

A man apparently struck by random gunfire that rained down on a Hemet golf course was recovering at a hospital Thursday.

The 47-year-old victim, whose identity was not released, was shot in a leg about 6 p.m. Wednesday as he walked the grounds of the Hemet Golf Club, off of Four Seasons Boulevard, according to Hemet police Lt. Eric Dickson.

He did not say whether the man was playing the links, a maintenance worker or a resident of the adjacent gated community.

"Witnesses stated that they heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the hills in the unincorporated area of Juniper Springs, west of the golf course, just before the victim fell down," Dickson said. "The victim also told the officers that he had heard what sounded like gunfire coming from the hills for several hours before he was struck."

Hemet police officers, with the aid of a Riverside County sheriff's helicopter crew, searched the area from which the gunfire originated, but no one was found, according to the lieutenant.

"It is believed that the victim may have been struck by an errant round fired by a person shooting illegally in the hills," Dickson said.

He said the wounded man was taken to an inland trauma center for surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Sheriff's deputies have made several arrests in recent weeks due to illegal target practice, mostly in the hills abutting Homeland and north of Winchester. In one case, a home was struck by a stray round.

Shooting in non-designated areas can result in felony charges of recklessly discharging a firearm, as well as other allegations.

Anyone with information about the golf course shooting was asked to call the Hemet Police Department at (951) 765-2400.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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