Shots from high-powered rifle hit homes

BRANT, N.Y. (WIVB) - Six people were arrested after they allegedly fired several hundred rounds from a high powered rifle, nearly striking a young girl in the head when bullets flew through the doors and walls of her home and spooking horses that had to be physically restrained.

Brant Police and Erie County Sheriff's deputies made the arrests in the Village of Farnham on Sunday. Police received numerous complaints about shots being fired, including from the home where a little girl was having a birthday party. A bullet reportedly passed just over her head as rounds hit her home, passing through doors and walls.

Neighbors took cover on their floors until police arrived, saying the scene was very chaotic. An 8-year-old child and a young friend retreated to a shed to hide as the barrage of gunfire continued.

A resident's horses were so spooked by the numerous rounds that the animals tried to escape their pasture by jumping over an electrified fence. The owner and neighbors had to physically restrain the traumatized animals.

Police arrested six people, charging each with first degree reckless endangerment, felony criminal mischief and reckless endangerment of property: John Bingel, 54; June Stresing, 45; Joseph Vail, 45; Jamie Vain, 25; Mark Hartman, 59; and Jacob Hartman, 33.

Police believe the shots may have been fired by an AK47 or a Remington 300. Investigators say more arrests are possible.

All six people arrested will be arraigned in Town of Brant Court on March 27.