UPDATE: Residents of the Lakes at New Riverside neighborhood in Bluffton, S.C., are living in fear as the sound of gunfire has become an alarming presence in their community. For over a year, sporadic gunshots have interrupted the peace, with witnesses reporting rapid-fire shots lasting from 30 minutes to several hours.
The situation has escalated to a point where some residents feel like “sitting ducks,” fearing for their lives as bullets whiz dangerously close to their homes. One neighbor recounted a chilling moment when a bullet narrowly missed her while she stood on her back patio. “I don’t even want to come outside,” she said, highlighting the growing anxiety among families in the area.
Evidence of the dangers has surfaced, with WSAV obtaining photos showing a bullet lodged in the siding of a house and damaging a fence. Despite repeated calls to the police, residents have reported little response. One neighbor stated, “I called 911 the last time and asked someone to come out because someone was shooting into our neighborhood. No one came out.”
Residents believe the gunfire is originating from target practice on a property less than 200 feet from their homes. They have tried to alert local law enforcement, including the Bluffton Police and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, but feel ignored. The sheriff’s office confirmed they are investigating but will not extract the bullet, leaving residents to cover the costs themselves.
In response to the ongoing danger, residents have launched a petition that has garnered 118 signatures, urging local officials to enforce stricter regulations regarding shooting near residential areas. “I just hope that they understand that we’re just trying to protect ourselves and our kids,” one resident expressed, emphasizing the need for immediate action as more homes are set to be built in the area.
Neighbors have been informed that jurisdictional issues complicate the situation, as their neighborhood is annexed into the Town of Bluffton, while the shooting location falls under unincorporated Beaufort County. This division has stymied efforts to enact change, with residents feeling helpless as their safety is compromised.
The Lakes at New Riverside is still under construction, with hundreds of new homes planned. As the community grows, the residents are calling for urgent attention to their plight. The emotional toll of living under the threat of gunfire is palpable, with many expressing frustration and desperation for a resolution.
Residents are now left wondering what steps will be taken next to ensure their safety. With the sheriff’s office investigating, they hope that officials will take their concerns seriously and implement measures to prevent further incidents. As this urgent situation continues to develop, the community remains on edge, praying for a swift resolution to their alarming reality.
