Pocono News Section

Neighbors React to Pellet Gun Damage

Neighbors React to Pellet Gun Damage - Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 5:10PM EST

Jersey Shore, Lycoming County-
Police say a Jersey Shore woman caused $16,000 in damages to neighbors’ homes with a high-powered pellet gun. 65-year-old Melinda Susan Woodring was arrested and charged with the crimes Monday.

"Angry, very annoyed, very irritated, disgusted." Those were some of the feelings conveyed by homeowners in the 300 and 400 blocks of High Street in Jersey Shore Wednesday.

Police say 65-year-old Woodring targeted five neighbors’ homes with a high-powered pellet gun over the past five months.

Jane Page, whose home was hit by several pellets, said, “Well I couldn’t believe it. I wondered who was doing it. We had no idea for a long time.”

Take a close look at the houses and the damage is clear. Hundreds of pellet holes mark the windows, siding, and other areas of the homes.

Some neighbors believe Woodring’s dislike for cats and dogs led to them being targeted.

Page noted, “I would like to talk to her and just see what she says. What kind of answer would she give?”

We tried to do just that. Woodring is free on bail. She wouldn’t answer my questions when I showed up at her home Wednesday afternoon.

Police say they nabbed Woodring after setting up surveillance in an empty home adjacent to her apartment. They eventually found the pistol in Woodring’s purse, and a container of pellets in her house.

A rental property at 328 High Street received the bulk of the damage- more than $5,000 worth. Like the other homes damaged in the neighborhood, it’s still waiting to be repaired.

But people here say, more importantly, someone could have been seriously hurt.

Page added, “If I had opened that kitchen door one second before she hit the door, it would’ve hit me.”

Neighbors add that they’re just grateful this scary situation has ended.

Melinda Woodring was charged with one felony count and four misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief. Again, she is free on bail pending a preliminary hearing June 3rd.