Town sues local business owner over guns on private property

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Holly Ridge served Dorothy Royal owner of Surf City guns and ammo with a lawsuit Tuesday, saying she can no longer use firearms on her property.

Royal says not only is her property outside of Holly Ridge limits, but the town is not picking on anyone else. She says the lawsuit is personal.

“They are not suing any of my neighbors,” said Royal. “They are not asking any of the other property owners to stop shooting on their property. They are not going after anyone else.”

Royal used to teach outdoor shooting classes on the land, which is technically in Onslow County, but has since shut it down because of the lawsuit.

“We only had 22 members for our little private gun club we had, and I gave them back their money and told them I’m sorry I couldn’t have a gun club.”

She says with the growing gang problem, these classes gave bored kids something to do. It taught people how to protect themselves. Royal says the town is abusing its power.

The Town of Holly Ridge directed any questions regarding the case to its lawyer. Royal and supporters will be attending the town’s next agenda meeting for answers.