Neighbor who fires guns in his backyard

Hugh R · 04-22-2012, 05:14 PM

I live on a private gated street of 25 homes with each property on 1 to 18 acres. One of my neighbors is a Propmaster for the movie industry. He's been firing blank (I assume) in his backyard for the last week or two. Not a lot 5 or 6 rapid fire one day and the same another day. He's probably testing some handguns for a movie. There is a regulated range about one mile away.

One neighbor has complained, not that he's scared or anything, but he doesn't like it and it annoys him. I'm the HOA Pres, so I called the guy and left a V/M saying not to continue doing it this morning. A few minutes ago, I'm outside and hear 5 or 6 small caliber pops/ 1/4 or 1/2 blank loads I'm guessing. So he's ignoring me. I'm thinking of telling him that if he persists, I'm calling the Sheriffs and telling them I've heard gun fire at his house, and that they will probably roll with SWAT loaded for bear. Am I out of line?

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Are you sure it's the same guy and that it's a gun and not some kids with firecrackers? I'd try a lot harder to speak with him in person before making a "man with a gun" call to the police.

Hugh R · 04-22-2012, 05:28 PM

He is a propmaster and part of his job is to handle weapons. He has no kids. I know the difference in the sounds. I'm not saying I'll call the Sheriff, I'm saying I'll tell him I'll call. Big difference. And yes its the same guy, two adjacent neighbors verified the noise, but didn't see him firing.

szyzygy · szyzygy's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Are you sure it's the same guy and that it's a gun and not some kids with firecrackers? I'd try a lot harder to speak with him in person before making a "man with a gun" call to the police.

In general, I approve of this method. People need to just talk to eachother more, face to face to handle disagreements.

that said, too often we hear about nutjobs with guns these days, so beware. Too bad, because I like guns. The nutjobs give guns a bad name.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Well, blanks sound different than real gun shots and a lot more similar to firecrackers. I'd go the certified letter route between getting ignored again and calling the popo.

Gogar · 04-22-2012, 05:37 PM

I think it's time for the ol'

"Why don't you walk over there and talk to him."

A real person is worth about 25 phone calls.

Oh wait, I forgot. This is PPOT.

1. Hire a lawyer immediately.
2. Make sure you've got plenty of .223
3. Send him a fricking 'certified letter', even though he lives a few houses away.

CHICKS · 04-22-2012, 05:42 PM

This is why HOAs suck. Neither you or the tattle tale know 100% whats he's doing. Does your HOA say you cant shoot blanks? What about other loud noises like bikes, cars, compressors, saws, lawn mowers etc...? Leave the dude alone, and mind your own business, he's not hurting anyone.

HardDrive · 04-22-2012, 05:48 PM

Walk over and knock on the door. Tell him someone else in the community is hot under the colar about it. You don't live in the Swat valley.

Hugh R · 04-22-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHICKS

This is why HOAs suck. Neither you or the tattle tale know 100% whats he's doing. Does your HOA say you cant shoot blanks? What about other loud noises like bikes, cars, compressors, saws, lawn mowers etc...? Leave the dude alone, and mind your own business, he's not hurting anyone.

How about playing loud music at 3AM, would that be OK with you? I'm pretty sure the City has an ordinance about firing guns in the city limits. We don't allow leaf blowers before 7AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends. I'm a bit of a libertarian myself, up to the point where your activities interfere with my enjoyment of my property.

How about 50 cal. machine gun fire all day, would that be OK with you?

URY914 · URY914's Garage

If you go over to his house leave your hoodie and Skittles at home.

lendaddy · 04-22-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh R

How about playing loud music at 3AM, would that be OK with you? I'm pretty sure the City has an ordinance about firing guns in the city limits. We don't allow leaf blowers before 7AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends. I'm a bit of a libertarian myself, up to the point where your activities interfere with my enjoyment of my property.

How about 50 cal. machine gun fire all day, would that be OK with you?

Hmm, communities usually have a quiet time ordinance...was he outside that? Since they are not real is it any different than a ramset or other "tool" that might annoy? Guy could be well within his rights to do what he's doing (even in Cali)

CHICKS · 04-22-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh R

How about playing loud music at 3AM, would that be OK with you? I'm pretty sure the City has an ordinance about firing guns in the city limits. We don't allow leaf blowers before 7AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends. I'm a bit of a libertarian myself, up to the point where your activities interfere with my enjoyment of my property.

How about 50 cal. machine gun fire all day, would that be OK with you?

If he is firing a gun (which you don't know for sure) it's a matter for the POLICE, not the HOA president. Same with loud music at 3AM, or 50 cal. fire all day.

Now back to looking for open garage doors, un-cut grass, and trash cans left at the curb......

dan88911 · 04-22-2012, 06:36 PM

I agree speak to him in person.
Chose your time and your words carefully.
Just in case.

targa911S · 04-22-2012, 06:38 PM

I'm with Jeremy. Go knock on the door, tell him another neighbor has their panties in a wad and sent you as the HOA rep to ask him to stop. Ask him to give you a break.

Take your .223 LOL.

Zeke · 04-22-2012, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHICKS

If he is firing a gun (which you don't know for sure) it's a matter for the POLICE, not the HOA president. Same with loud music at 3AM, or 50 cal. fire all day.

Now back to looking for open garage doors, un-cut grass, and trash cans left at the curb......

Well, there might be a valid point in there somewhere in spite of post # 7. VM's are a bit informal if you really feel this is your responsibility. I'm sure this will pass, but if not, then it's time to point out why this is a bad thing.

My mantra when facing a challenge is: (This) is the problem and (this) is what is going to be done. All logic and fact. NO emotion.

Brando · Brando's Garage

+1 for the personal visit. If you call the Sheriff you know they're going to roll in SWAT style, definitely kill his dog and most assuredly shoot him and/or his kids because they'll believe them to be armed.

Hugh R · 04-22-2012, 07:00 PM

We are a very easy going HOA, I mean really easy. We don't cite anyone for anything. Its basically a cooperative agreement to maintain the gate and the street on a private street, not much more. Besides, if you buy in an HOA,you know the requirements when you move in. Don't like it, don't buy. You can't expect to move in and then object to the rules.

ODDJOB UNO · ODDJOB UNO's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gogar

I think it's time for the ol'

"Why don't you walk over there and talk to him."

A real person is worth about 25 phone calls.

Oh wait, I forgot. This is PPOT.

1. Hire a lawyer immediately.
2. Make sure you've got plenty of .223
3. Send him a fricking 'certified letter', even though he lives a few houses away.

DONT FORGET THE RESTRAINING ORDER!

i love HOA stories.

Hugh R · 04-22-2012, 07:24 PM

Ok got it, hoodie, skittles, 9MM in the back of the belt.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gogar

3. Send him a fricking 'certified letter', even though he lives a few houses away.

I only suggested that in case all else fails. If the guy doesn't return your calls or answer the door when you knock, what else are you supposed to do? I think one last try via certified letter is a lot better than running to the cops. And it's documentation in case the thing escalates.