Five Arrested for Shooting Rifle

Five men are in custody for allegedly illegally firing a rifle in an Atascadero creek bed near Highway 41 on Saturday.

According to the Atascadero Police, officers responded to a report of shots fired in the creek bed area.

Police say when officers arrived on the scene they heard gun shots.

Because of the possible danger to the public, parts of Highway 412 were closed down.

The CHP was asked to provide aerial support with a helicopter to enable them to locate possible suspects.

Police say four of the men who were located immediately surrendered to police and were taken into custody.

A fifth suspect hid from them but was located by the helicopter crew. He then surrendered and was also placed into custody.

The five men, who were in their 20s and not identified, were in possession of two Soviet-era military rifles, a shot-gun and two bolt-action rifles.

The reason the men were shooting the rifles is unclear.

All five suspects were cited and released.

Read More:

City of Atascadero Police Department: Press Release