Poulakidas Elementary School has had to call two secured lockdowns this past school year due to illegal target shooting.
According to staff, they've been dealing with people practicing target shooting right behind the school since it opened.
The open area behind the school used to be a popular spot to practice target shooting however as neighborhoods continued to grow and the elementary school opened it is no longer legal to shoot there.
Unfortunately, people continue to do it anyway.
"We hear the gunshots going off, that's our first signal and then we look to see if we have visual contact, can we look to see if we can identify a vehicle or individuals back there," said Chantal Lee, Principal of the school.
WCSD School Police say there's not much they can do other can protect the students on school campus and reach out to authorities that cover the jurisdiction nearby the school.
Reno Fire says target shooting in this area could be a fire hazard with so much dry vegetation near the school and neighborhoods.
Reno Police say that's not all.
"It could potentially injure the students here or property in the area from a ricochet shot," said Chris Johnson, Public Information Officer for RPD. "So, make sure that when you are shooting that you are outside of a congested area and if you're in a restricted area you have to be outside or further away from any building or structure more than five thousand feet."
Reno Police and Fire say if you are caught illegally target shooting you could be arrested, receive a misdemeanor, and be financially responsible for all damages if a fire were to break out.
