Published: July 28, 2009 08:56 am      

Buffalo killed in weekend shooting

WEATHERFORD - Parker County Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigators are investigating several shooting incidents over the weekend including one of which resulting in the death of a buffalo.

Homeowners heard a single gunshot sometime in the middle of the night in the 6100 block of Old Millsap Road and woke to discover a buffalo had been shot and killed. The buffalo was a 4-year-old heifer.

Deputies also discovered evidence at the Garner Store in the 2300 block of FM 113 where two store front windows and a door were shot out by suspects using a shotgun. Witnesses in the area heard gunshot blasts between 1 and 3 a.m.

Several incidents were reported Friday through Monday of unknown suspects shooting mailboxes in the 300 block of Smith Trail, the 1500 block of Grimes Road and the 300 block of North FM 113 in the Garner area and the 500 block of Whitt Cut-Off Road in Perrin.

Witnesses also heard gunshots in the area of the mailbox shootings. Deputies reported additional mailboxes were damaged in the same neighborhood, which homeowners have yet to report.

Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said investigators believe the incidents are related and think the same suspects are responsible for all of the crimes.

“It appears the same weapon was used in each of the incidents,” Fowler said. “The persons responsible showed no remorse while committing these incredulous acts by purposely leaving property damaged and a magnificent animal to die. These crimes will not be tolerated. The extent of the crimes is proven with the suspect’s irresponsible use of firearms.”

Parker County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for any information leading to the arrest or indictment of the suspects involved in this crime. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 643-TIPS, (800) 242-8477 or locally at (817) 599-5555.