Residents demand action on Rad Range safety concerns amid gunfire incidents

Residents of Alamance County voiced urgent safety concerns during the December 16, 2024, Commissioners Meeting, focusing on the Rad Range gun facility's proximity to homes and the associated risks. Samantha Powell, a local resident, shared a harrowing experience of her family being endangered by gunfire while enjoying a fire pit evening. She described the alarming sound of automatic gunfire and a ricochet that narrowly missed her and her children, emphasizing the fear it instilled in her family and the broader community.

Powell's testimony highlighted a growing unease among residents living near the range, who reported frequent incidents of stray bullets and disruptive noise. Paul Capps, another concerned resident, presented evidence of projectiles leaving the range and the potential danger posed to nearby homes, including a bullet that entered a bedroom ceiling nearly a mile away. He called for immediate action to ensure safety measures are implemented at the range.

Don Foster echoed these sentiments, recounting a personal encounter where a bullet was found on his patio, raising alarms about the safety of his grandchildren and neighbors. He urged the county to take decisive action to mitigate the risks associated with the gun range, questioning the appropriateness of its location given the residential developments nearby.

The meeting underscored a critical community issue, as multiple residents expressed their fears and frustrations regarding the Rad Range's operations. The testimonies painted a picture of a community on edge, with calls for the county to intervene and reassess the safety protocols in place at the facility. As discussions continue, residents hope for a resolution that prioritizes their safety and peace of mind.