Lake County commissioners defeat broader gunfire limits

CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) - The Lake County commissioners in northwestern Indiana have defeated a new ordinance that would have enlarged areas where guns cannot be fired.

The commissioners on Wednesday voted 3-0 to defeat the ordinance that would have banned gunfire within 700 feet of homes in unincorporated areas. It's currently banned within 300 feet of homes in unincorporated areas.

The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports a crowd of gun owners applauded when the vote was announced. About 100 people packed the meeting room to express displeasure over the restrictions.

Several members of the crowd said the broader restriction was unfair to residents who previously had the freedom to safely target practice on properties of 5 or more acres.

The Lake County Council voted 5-2 on Jan. 8 to broaden the restriction.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.nwitimes.com