A judge has imposed restrictions on the operations of Quail Creek Gun Range following incidents where stray bullets struck the newly constructed Floyd Barksdale Middle School in Northwest Independent School District (ISD). The district obtained a temporary restraining order after two bullets were discovered at the school, which is set to open shortly.
The legal action comes amid rising concerns for student safety, particularly after crews found a bullet hole in a window and another in the building’s brick facade this summer. The lawsuit highlights that the gun range, established in 1980, has been operating in an area that has seen significant new development.
Located 1.2 miles from the middle school, the gun range was active on the morning of the incidents, with gunshots audible in the vicinity. The legal filing revealed that the school district is particularly worried about the safety of its students, who will begin classes next week.
The judge’s ruling includes immediate limitations on the type of firearms and ammunition that can be used at the range, specifically those capable of reaching the distance to the school. A full court hearing regarding the injunction is scheduled for August 20, but the owner of the gun range has yet to respond to requests for comment.
According to the district’s statement, the firing range’s layout poses risks since the firing line faces north, directly toward the school. While there are berms intended to contain stray bullets, concerns remain that someone could potentially fire over them. The district emphasized that their aim is not to shut down the gun range but to ensure reasonable safety measures are implemented to protect students and staff.
If the gun range can demonstrate compliance with appropriate safety standards, it will be allowed to resume full operations. The upcoming court hearing will further address the matter.
