Local business comments on safety following weekend shooting at door-to-door salesman
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
An everyday sale took a turn last Friday after a man pulled a shotgun and shot at a salesman in Boone County, according to authorities.
Boone County Sheriff's Office Capt. Brian Leer said 69-year-old Mark Streeter allegedly confronted a salesman and later fired shots at him as the salesman was leaving.
Deputies were called to the 6000 block of East Route HH where the shooting occurred and arrested Streeter on suspicion of unlawful use of a weapon. Streeter later bonded out of the Boone County Jail and no charges were filed on Casenet as of Monday evening.
Leer said the office has occasionally received calls about door-to-door sales in the county, with Route HH not standing out in calls for complaints compared to other areas.
Shawn Noordsy, owner of Quality Cut Lawncare in Columbia, told ABC 17 News safety concerns were a reason the company stepped away from door-to-door sales.
“We don't utilize that practice anymore, it’s more for the safety of our employees of just random door knocking," Noordsy said. "It’s kind of gone away and to the wayside with the new era we're in.”
Noordsy added recent business operations have customers typically reaching out first.
“You'd contact us, we would come out with, meet with you, schedule [an] appointment, or you would know we're coming by to your house to take a look at the property,” Noordsy said. “So you're not surprised that we're showing up, it’s all well documented that we're coming.”
Quality Cut Lawncare also sometimes leaves signs, but continues to keep knocking down.
"Sometimes we do hang a door hanger on the neighbor's yard if we feel like they'll be a good fit for us, but again, we don't knock, we don't pressure anything," Noordsy said.
According to the Better Business Bureau, if a homeowner is worried about a salesperson at their door, reputable sellers will often have a license and identification that they can show. The license and ID can also be verified by the city, county or seller's business.
If a homeowner is interested in a sale, it's recommended to note details of the agreement including price, contract details and all other terms and conditions. Homeowners can also contact local law enforcement if a salesperson does not get off their property when asked.
