VAN BUREN - A Crawford County man says his home is no longer safe after a stray bullet went through his bedroom window. He claims his neighbor, a shooting range, is to blame.
James Walters and his wife have lived on their land for 35 years. He says they've been afraid to go outside ever since Knesek Guns moved next door, but now they're afraid to be inside their own home. That's because the couple came home Thursday to find a bullet hole in their bedroom window. Walters says if he'd been in his bed he might be dead.
"I want them [Thor Global Defense Group/Knesek Guns] to stop what they're doing if they can't get someone in there that knows how to shoot and shoots over the top of that burm out there," Walters said. "They're not safe. They're a public danger is what they are. They're going to kill somebody here or kill somebody a mile down the road."
Those who live around the range have called the county cops to complain about the noise. Both sides say they've tried to talk with the other but without success.
Roger Holland with Knesek Guns told us by phone that neighbors have threatened to do whatever it takes to shut them down. Company officials declined an on-camera interview but responded with this written statement: "Thor Global Defense Group acknowledges the incident with Jim Walters' trailer. Shooting is often heard in this vicinity during this time of year, as it is currently hunting season. We have temporarily closed one of our ranges in compliance with our company policy for our own investigation. All of our ranges exceed current safety guidelines."
Walters says deputies took the bullet as evidence and told him to contact the county prosecutor's office. Thors' email to 5NEWS also states that several certified range safety officers are present at their facility during the hours of operation.
Thor Global Defense deals with training for military and law enforcement personnel as well as providing personal security details overseas. Knesek Guns is the sister company primarily concerned with sales. Thor was founded in 2003 according to the company's website.
James Walters and his wife have lived on their land for 35 years. He says they've been afraid to go outside ever since Knesek Guns moved next door, but now they're afraid to be inside their own home. That's because the couple came home Thursday to find a bullet hole in their bedroom window. Walters says if he'd been in his bed he might be dead.
"I want them [Thor Global Defense Group/Knesek Guns] to stop what they're doing if they can't get someone in there that knows how to shoot and shoots over the top of that burm out there," Walters said. "They're not safe. They're a public danger is what they are. They're going to kill somebody here or kill somebody a mile down the road."
Those who live around the range have called the county cops to complain about the noise. Both sides say they've tried to talk with the other but without success.
Roger Holland with Knesek Guns told us by phone that neighbors have threatened to do whatever it takes to shut them down. Company officials declined an on-camera interview but responded with this written statement: "Thor Global Defense Group acknowledges the incident with Jim Walters' trailer. Shooting is often heard in this vicinity during this time of year, as it is currently hunting season. We have temporarily closed one of our ranges in compliance with our company policy for our own investigation. All of our ranges exceed current safety guidelines."
Walters says deputies took the bullet as evidence and told him to contact the county prosecutor's office. Thors' email to 5NEWS also states that several certified range safety officers are present at their facility during the hours of operation.
Thor Global Defense deals with training for military and law enforcement personnel as well as providing personal security details overseas. Knesek Guns is the sister company primarily concerned with sales. Thor was founded in 2003 according to the company's website.
