A late-night gathering at a short-term rental on Bowen Street in Anderson Township turned into a gunfire scare on June 27, leaving neighbors staring at bullet holes and wondering what could have happened if a parked truck had not taken two of the rounds. Residents say dozens of people poured into the street as shots rang out, with two bullets striking a truck that sat between the shooter and a nearby home where two young girls were asleep. No one was hurt, but neighbors say kids are now afraid and many are pushing for the rental to be shut down.
Shots fired after a big gathering
Roughly 80 people had packed into the rental before the chaos spilled into the street around 3 a.m., according to FOX19. Deputies recovered several shell casings after the crowd scattered. Investigators told FOX19 they believe about 15 to 20 shots were fired and confirmed that two bullets hit a truck parked between the shooter and a nearby house. No one was taken into custody, and no injuries were reported, according to FOX19’s summary of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office report.
Owner tightens bookings; trustees open a civil probe
The owner of the property told reporters that parties are not allowed, that the house is supposed to be limited to six guests, and that bookings were changed to require at least three nights after the shooting. “Our goal has always been to provide a safe, comfortable local home rental option for families, friends, and residents who need temporary housing,” the owner wrote, as reported by FOX19. Anderson Township trustees have started a civil investigation into the rental and say they are reexamining the short-term rental rules created during the township’s 2024 zoning process, according to FOX19.
Township's 2024 short-term rental rules are under the microscope
Township planning records show that short-term rentals were added to the zoning resolution as a conditional use in 2024. Staff flagged several sections, especially parking and emergency-response requirements, that have caused confusion during case reviews. The staff report recommends clarifying when parking must be kept out of front-yard setbacks and notes that short-term rentals are not inspected by Fire & Rescue or the building department, which complicates any conditions related to emergency plans, according to an Anderson Township staff report on the 2024 text amendments. Trustees say the June shooting has triggered a fresh look at how the rules are enforced and whether tighter restrictions are needed.
Legal implications
While the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office continues the criminal investigation, neighbors said they were told the family whose home was hit by bullets was directed to file a state compensation claim, according to FOX19. The trustees’ civil probe gives local officials a range of options, from enforcing existing zoning conditions to seeking civil remedies. Any attempt to remove or suspend a short-term rental would likely require formal legal steps and possibly court action. Officials did not say whether any civil enforcement actions had been filed as of the news report.
Neighbors want action
Residents described the night as traumatic and said children in the area still flinch at loud noises. One neighbor told reporters she believes the parked truck may have prevented a far worse outcome and said the neighborhood feels less safe whenever the house appears online as a short-term listing. Several neighbors said they want the property removed from rental platforms altogether or placed under strict rules that can actually be enforced.
For now, the owner says bookings are more tightly controlled while the sheriff’s office continues its investigation and township trustees weigh what to do with their zoning rules and enforcement tools after the June 27 incident. This story will be updated as officials release new details or take formal action.
