Two Nevada residents accused of firing an AR-style semi-automatic rifle toward the Blythe Airport were out of custody Friday.
Terri Charlene Pierce, 24, and Ryan Thomas Thi, 22, were arrested Monday and booked at the Blythe Jail on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm. Pierce was additionally booked on suspicion of possession both an assault weapon and a large capacity magazine. She posted $50,000 bail, while Thi posted $5,000 bail.
Both suspects were expected to appear at the Blythe Courthouse on June 22, jail records show.
According to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Michael Moulton, deputies were sent to the area of Mesa Drive and Interstate 10 near Blythe about 10 p.m. Monday on a report that two people were shooting a gun and doing “doughnuts” in a truck before speeding off.
Responding deputies found a blue truck in a nearby field, with Pierce and Thi sprawled out in the bed, Moulton said.
The deputies allegedly found an AR-style semi-automatic rifle and three spent shell casings nearby.
Moulton said the suspects allegedly admitted to shooting off the rifle “in the direction” of Blythe Airport, which is north of Mesa Drive and Interstate 10.
Their criminal history, if any, was not immediately available.