Information Sought in Colorado Vandalism Case
OutdoorHub 11.13.12
Authorities are looking for information regarding several hundred dollars in vandalism at the Cheyenne County Shooting Range. The Cheyenne County shooting range is a public facility northeast of Cheyenne Wells.
Illegal activities began several weeks ago when Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer Todd Marriott noticed tire tracks on the hills surrounding the range. Marriott talked to people at the range who were concerned about safety because ATV’s were driving on and off the range while they were target practicing.
Marriott installed a gate to prevent vehicles from driving in unsafe areas and a sign was put up to let people know the area was closed to ATV’s
Since then, new issues popped up. Someone has been dumping trash and shooting at fence posts in the parking area. The perpetrators damaged the gate and destroyed the lock. They also shot up the property sign on the county road near the entrance.
“It is disheartening to believe that a few people are destroying the community’s shooting range,” said Marriott. “Colorado Parks and Wildlife and community volunteers have put many hours and sportsman’s dollars into the creation and upkeep of this range. The range was designed as a safe place for sportsmen to shoot, but the illegal activity indicates dangerously reckless behavior,” he said.
If you have any information about the people responsible, call Marriott at 719-340-0279 or call the Cheyenne County Sherriff’s office at 719-767-5633.
Marriott says if the vandalism continues, Colorado Parks and Wildlife may have to close the area to public access.
For more information about public shooting opportunities in Colorado, go to http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ShootingRanges.
