Popular San Diego shooting range closed due to safety concerns
A popular outdoor shooting area in eastern San Diego County has been closed indefinitely because of concerns about local Border Patrol agents safety.
The Bureau of Land Management has shut down the 210-acre Airport Mesa/Carrizo Creek range to the public effective immediately at the request of the U.S. Border Patrol.
The area, popular for recreational shooting and target practice, is located in an expanse that has seen increased border security activities of late. The U.S. Border Patrol officially requested the closure out of concern that the range is putting agents "in the line of fire or in danger of ricochet bullets," according to the request.
"The safety of federal officers in performance of their duties is important to everyone," said Vicki Wood, El Centro field manager for the BLM. "The closure of this popular recreational shooting [area] is unfortunate, but the closure is necessary to protect the agents who are patrolling the borders."
Those violating the closure order risk penalties including fines and prison sentences.
"Displaced users will want to know where they might practice their sport," added Wood. "The nearest BLM areas are in Imperial County and we recognize users will want us to explore closer areas, if available. We welcome their input."
-- Kelly Burgess
Photo: Spent shells and casings litter the ground at an outdoor shooting range similar to the Airport Mesa/Carrizo Creek range. Credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times
