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Jamestown, N.D. (AP) Stutsman County authorities say an officers pistol range has been closed after a stray bullet landed in a couple's yard.

Sheriff David Orr said Si and Martha Liechty were in their yard last week when the bullet hit their house and bounced to the ground. Martha Liechty said the bullet landed near the couple's feet.

Orr said the bullet was fired by a Highway Patrolman at the shooting range. He said it was the first time a bullet has gone beyond the 25-foot berm.

The sheriff said the pistol range was built more than 20 years ago, when there were no houses nearby and fewer activities at the fairgrounds. He said the range will be closed until authorities find a way to make it safer.

Information from: The Jamestown Sun, http://www.jamestownsun.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-01-08 1155CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list