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Man Accused Of Shooting Deer In Leander

The Williamson County Sheriff's Department arrests a man accused of shooting six deer over the weekend.

It happened in a popular greenbelt near Chardonnay Crossing and Jordan Cove in Leander.  Neighbors say the narrow green space is a popular hangout for kids.

"They're playing, romping around in the woods and that's what they use it for," said Salvatore Reale.
    
But that sense of safety is shattered after authorities arrested a man accused of using the kid-friendly greenbelt for target practice.

"He called me and said, 'Dad, did you hear someone killed a deer back there in the greenbelt?'  I said no. I didn't hear anything.  He said, "Yeah right back there behind the fence,'" recalled Reale.

According to a felony complaint, 18-year old Ian Schneider admitted to shooting six deer in the wooded area.

"I don't understand why anyone would want to hurt them," said Richard Tamayo.

Schneider allegedly told a Williamson County deputy he "was getting rid of the bad" because they were "destroying the forest."

"They're not hurting anybody," added Tamayo.

And Reale, who is a police officer, says Schneider's reckless actions could've cost a kid their life.

"It's a small greenbelt. If you fire a weapon where is that bullet going if you miss your target?" said Reale.

Schneider is charged with one felony count of deadly conduct discharging of a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon.  

Wildlife officials found at least one dead deer in the residential greenbelt.

By Alex Boyer