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Residents tell commissioners a Sneads Ferry shooting range endangers neighbors and preschoolers
Summary
Multiple residents told the board that a commercial shooting range at 454 Pilcher's Branch Road fires daily, lacks adequate backstops and endangers nearby properties and Highway 172; they asked the county and sheriff for enforcement and rule changes.
Several Onslow County residents spoke during public comment May 19 to complain about continuous shooting and unsafe conditions at a property identified as a commercial shooting range at 454 Pilcher's Branch Road in Sneads Ferry.
Charles Fretwell, who lives 1,418 feet from the site, said the range fires seven days a week and uses multiple calibers. He told the board the site’s backstop berms are “woefully inadequate,” said bullets and ricochets have reached nearby properties, and urged the county and sheriff’s department to inspect the site and enforce safety rules.
“There's a serious danger taking place out there off this range,” Fretwell said, noting he had posted video evidence to county staff and invited officials to inspect the property in person. Other speakers, including Victoria Fretwell and Taylor Green, said preschoolers and children in nearby homes were being affected; Victoria Fretwell said she feared for children and said deputies had visited but no effective action had been taken.
Why it matters: Residents asked the board to review ordinance and enforcement tools, to consider whether the operation qualifies as a commercial shooting range (which may be regulated differently), and to provide the sheriff with enforceable rules. Speakers said the owner has claimed farm exemptions and characterized other site activities as agricultural, but residents said shooting is the dominant, disruptive activity.
What commissioners said: Commissioners acknowledged the complaints and said staff and the sheriff’s office had been engaged; Commissioner Aaron Bennett said he and staff have met with residents and would continue seeking solutions. Commissioners urged continued documentation and asked that staff explore regulatory and enforcement options.
Ending: Residents asked for immediate inspection and clearer enforcement authority; commissioners and staff said they would follow up with the sheriff’s office and review ordinances and administrative remedies.
