On Monday, April 22, around 5:28 p.m. the Washington County Sheriff's Communication Office received a phone call that someone had shot an arrow at the playground equipment located at Centennial Park. An officer responded and met with the caller, who stated that she heard a "ping" sound. A child who was playing on the playground equipment, stated they found an arrow at the park. The caller showed the officer where she believed the arrow had impacted the equipment. There were no other arrows located in the area. It is believed the arrow was released from an area north of Centennial Park.
An individual contacted the Hartford Police Department regarding the inicident. The individual indicated the arrow accidentally discharged from a bow during target practice. Target practice occurred in proximity of Centennial Park.
This case remains under investigation.
The Hartford Police Department expressed their gratitude that no one was seriously hurt or worse by this incident.
The individual, who appears to be the owner of the arrow has come forward and is cooperating with the Hartford PD fully. At this point, the incident appears accidental.
This is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. This incident remains under investigation.
Information regarding the City of Hartford Ordinance on this matter is below:
CITY ORDINANCE 41.02 – DISCHARGING AND CARRYING FIREARMS “(a) No person, except a Peace or Law Enforcement Officer or member of the Military in the line of duty as defined in Wisconsin Statutes, shall fire or discharge any firearm, rifle, spring gun, air gun (whether a missile is expelled by compressed air, gas or chemical), electric weapon, bow and arrow, crossbow, sling shot, or blow gun within the City of Hartford except: 1. in areas designated as a shooting range by the Common Council. 2. in areas approved by any school authority or the Recreation Department. 3. when lawfully hunting with a bow and arrow or crossbow at a distance greater than 100 yards, from a building located on another person’s land as described in §29.038(3)(b)1.a. This restriction does not apply if the person who owns the land on which the building is located allows the hunter to hunt within 100 yards of the building. A person who discharges a bow and arrow or crossbow within the City of Hartford is required to discharge the arrow or bolt from the respective weapon toward the ground.”
This city ordinance also applies to "ORBEEZ" style gel blasters.
