Granite Falls resident files complaint over neighbor’s makeshift shooting range
Jul 26, 2024, 9:55 AM
A photo of the makeshift shooting range that has become the subject of a complaint between a neighbor in Granite Falls and Snohomish County. (Photo courtesy of 成人X站 7)
(Photo courtesy of 成人X站 7)
A Snohomish County man filed a complaint against the county over his neighbor鈥檚 shooting range, located approximately 50 feet from his property.
“I鈥檓 exhibiting symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression, and it鈥檚 increasing every time the shooting happens,” Christian Volkle told . Volke, a resident of Granite Falls, claimed he has been hearing gunshots for nearly two years. Volkle retired in unincorporated Granite Falls three years ago.
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In his complaint to the county, he stated his family has suffered hearing loss from rounds of gunshots fired, and mentioned he’s also concerned about the lead from the bullets possibly leaking into the groundwater.
“I鈥檝e measured it over 120 decibels, which is the equivalent of standing next to a jet engine on an airport runway or in front of a speaker at a rock concert,” he told 成人X站 7. “Lead is highly toxic. It leaches very easily. It contaminates groundwater. I鈥檓 concerned about the quality of the well water I鈥檓 going to have in the future here.”
Volkle’s neighbor who owns the shooting range, Christian Betzold, told 成人X站 7 he didn’t know about his neighbors’ concerns until last week.
“I would have loved it if he came and talked to me, but I understand he might have some reservations,” he said.
Betzold claimed a significant reason he purchased his home in unincorporated Granite Falls — off of Crooked Mile Road — was to safely practice shooting his handguns on his property. Unincorporated Granite Falls is a legal shooting area, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
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“That gave me a lot of concern and grief because I want to make sure I鈥檓 a good neighbor,” Betzold added. “I鈥檓 a responsible neighbor. I immediately talked to my wife. We stopped shooting and things like that that day. I haven鈥檛 shot since.”
According to 成人X站 7, the Snohomish County Council said it can鈥檛 comment on an active lawsuit.
Contributing:
Frank Sumrall is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories聽here聽and you can email him聽here.
