Northwest ISD has filed a lawsuit against a nearby gun range after two stray bullets struck a brand-new middle school campus in separate incidents, raising serious safety concerns ahead of the school’s opening this week.
The district is taking legal action against Quail Creek Gun Range, located approximately one mile south of Barksdale Middle School in the Northlake area. Court filings reveal that bullets hit the campus in May and again in July, with the most recent round piercing a glass wall at the school’s stadium press box.
District officials believe the bullets originated from shooters inside the gun range firing in the direction of the school. A protective berm on the property is supposed to stop rounds from leaving the premises but appears to be insufficient.
In a stunning admission, gun range owner David Rose reportedly told district officials that a “goober” meaning an irresponsible or careless shooter could intentionally or accidentally raise their firearm and send rounds flying over the berm and toward the school. Rose also acknowledged that additional safety measures could prevent such incidents but confirmed the range had not implemented them.
Northwest ISD filed a police report with Northlake Police following the first bullet discovery in May. After the July incident Northlake officers visited the gun range to investigate the situation firsthand.
The district is now seeking a temporary restraining order that would bar the gun range from operating in any manner that negligently allows bullets to leave the property and endanger students, parents, staff, or visitors. School officials stressed they are not seeking to shut the business down entirely but are demanding reasonable and effective safety upgrades.
Barksdale Middle School’s principal sent a letter to parents explaining the incidents and outlining protective steps being taken. Student camps that were scheduled this week have been pushed to start only after the gun range closes for the day as a precautionary measure.
The timing of the lawsuit is critical given that Barksdale Middle School is set to officially open its doors on Wednesday August 12. Hundreds of students and staff are expected to be on campus regularly once the school year begins.
Quail Creek Gun Range had not responded to media requests for comment as of the time of this report. The case highlights growing concerns about the proximity of shooting facilities to schools and residential areas in rapidly developing parts of North Texas.
The outcome of the lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how gun ranges operating near schools are required to manage safety infrastructure across the region.
