Hay River (May 09/05) - Since the beginning of May, several people have been shot at with air guns from moving vehicles in Hay River.

Sgt. Greg Downing: discharging an air gun at a person is a serious offence.

RCMP Sgt. Greg Downing says it is lucky no one has been seriously injured.

There have been five incidents reported to police - four involving teenagers being hit or shot at, and the other a dog.

On May 2 there were two incidents, says Downing.

"One person was shot several times directly in the head."

The pellets caused redness on the side of the head of the teenaged girl, but no medical treatment was required.

During the other incident on May 2, a youth was hit in the body.

On May 4, police received two anonymous complaints of shots being fired, although no one was hit. Downing says police have identified suspects and a vehicle.

All the incidents could be related.

Downing says the air gun projectiles hit with quite a wallop.

"Some of these guns are quite powerful."

The RCMP are advising all parents to caution their children about the safe use of air guns.

Discharging an air gun at an individual is considered a serious offence under the Criminal Code, Downing said, and could result in imprisonment.