INDIANA – An Indiana woman was arrested after allegedly firing multiple shots from a handgun into the ground in an attempt to quiet children playing in a nearby field, authorities said.
Nicole Gilstrap, 42, discharged her 9mm handgun six times while standing behind her shed Thursday, telling investigators she was “tired of” hearing the youngsters play, according to local police reports.
Two children were in the field adjacent to Gilstrap’s property at the time of the shooting. Five children in total live in the neighboring home, officials said.
Following the gunfire, Gilstrap allegedly confronted the children’s mother and threatened to shoot both her and all five of her children during a heated argument, according to witness statements.
The children’s father immediately contacted 911 after the confrontation. Deputies responding to the scene obtained permission to search Gilstrap’s camper, where they recovered the 9mm handgun as evidence.
Gilstrap was taken into custody and charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness. Both charges are felonies under Indiana law.
No injuries were reported in the incident. The children and their parents were shaken but unharmed, authorities said.
The case highlights growing concerns about disputes between neighbors escalating to violence. Indiana law permits property owners to discharge firearms on their own land under certain circumstances, but using weapons to threaten or intimidate others remains illegal.
Gilstrap remained in custody Monday pending a court appearance. Bond information was not immediately available.
