Residents urge Perry leaders to act after repeated rifle fire near town

Dozens of Perry residents told the city council on Tuesday night that shooting activity on a nearby property is creating noise, safety fears and lost use of public parks.

"It's destroying our peace, this community," said resident David Crooks, who said he and neighbors could not sleep after a recent Saturday of shooting that included high-caliber rifles and explosive targets. "There were 7 or 8 people down there shooting, and it just progressively got louder and louder." (Resident David Crooks)

Carpenter, James Willis, Connie Woods, Billy Willis and others described incidents where powerful rifle fire and explosions — including what speakers described as use of Tannerite-style reactive targets — were audible across several blocks, interrupted children's play in Perkins Park and left some neighbors fearful of using the bike trail.

City Administrator Sven and City Attorney Dewey briefed the council on legal options. Dewey said the city efines discharge of a weapon to include where a projectile lands and that, because some projectiles enter the city limits, the activity "has to stop" unless it complies with local law. He said the city and police chief will prepare a letter to the property owner and recommended amending ordinance language to make the legal standard clear.

Residents urged immediate action. "We need to do something about it before somebody actually gets hurt," said Connie Woods, who said a birthday party with more than 20 children was interrupted by loud explosions.

Council members asked whether the city must issue a notice before enforcement and what penalties apply. Dewey replied that violations would be municipal infractions subject to fines and that the city could seek court orders if injunctive relief were needed.

Council members and staff also reported coordinating with Dallas County planning and legal staff; county planning staff told city leaders the property owner may need county planning and zoning approval to operate a commercial gun range on the parcel. The council did not take a binding regulatory vote at the meeting, but staff said a written notice to the owner will be issued and ordinance amendment language may be prepared for a future meeting.

What happens next: City staff will send a letter with the police chief to the property owner notifying them the discharge into city limits must stop or be brought into compliance. Council members said they expect to discuss potential ordinance language at a future meeting and to coordinate further with Dallas County officials.

The council moved on to the scheduled public hearing after the open forum.