SCSO continues investigation of 'shots fired' calls

MULLAN — Deputies with the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) once again returned to Mullan Saturday night and Sunday morning after they received more calls of gun shots in town. Upon arrival both days, deputies spread throughout the city in an effort to narrow down where the shots were coming from­. As of Sunday afternoon though, no arrests have been made. Reports from witnesses and the little information released by SCSO suggest that the shooter is near the 500 block of Pine St. on the north side of the city.

For several weeks now, residents of Mullan have been taking to social media and other outlets to voice their displeasure over the disturbances.

“Someone is shooting, day and night, in Mullan,” one resident posted to Facebook on Dec. 23. “My dogs are scared to death. PLEASE STOP!!”

On Dec. 29, the situation escalated from a loud annoyance to potentially dangerous when deputies were called for the first time and discovered bullet holes in homes.

Undersheriff Holly Lindsey stated in a news release that, “upon further investigation, we confirmed that numerous rounds were fired and two occupied homes were hit.”

Because of the placement of the shots on the homes, some residents believe that the shooter could be closer to the central parts of town­— south of Pine St.

Deputies also returned the day after on Dec. 30 for the same call in the same area.

Upon learning that this was not an isolated incident, SCSO began collecting statements and conducting interviews to narrow down the culprit.

Mullan mayor Don Kotschevar voiced his concern regarding the situation.

“This has been going on for sometime,” he said. “It has the neighborhood pretty rattled. I’m thankful that the Sheriff’s Office is doing everything they can to find out who is doing this.”

Contrary to rumors on social media, no injuries have been reported as a result of the gunfire. Even with no injuries though, Lindsey stressed that SCSO is taking the situation very seriously and will utilize every resource available to follow up all leads pertaining to the case.

“Our office will be conducting concentrated patrols in suspect areas and ask all citizens to stay vigilant and immediately report any suspicious behavior in your community,” she added.

SCSO declined to comment further on the situation, stating that “this is still an active investigation and at this time, and in order to preserve our investigation, no further information can be released.”

If you have any information regarding this incident, contact SCSO at 208-556-1114.