Gun store opens in Menomonee Falls; parents share concern for middle school less than 800 feet away

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The location of a new gun store in Menomonee Falls is getting mixed reactions from people online, as parents in the area share concern for a middle school down the street from the business. 

Shepard Arms is located near the intersection of Main Street and Appleton Avenue. If you take a walk past other businesses and apartment buildings on the block, you'll eventually reach Garfield Drive, where North Middle School is located. 

“It definitely doesn’t feel good," said Robin Fever. She was spending the day with her young daughter in the area where the middle school and business is located.

Fever also went to North Middle School.

“That age is really - you're experimenting, you're testing the limits. I don’t know if it’s appropriate.”

The business opened last week. After a Facebook post with hundreds of comments asked why a gun store can be within a thousand feet of a middle school, other people have shared concern. 

"It could just make a bad day and an impulsive decision so easy, with how close it is, so it’s just sad," said Fatih Zarrick, who lives in Milwaukee but was visiting a friend in Menomonee Falls on Wednesday. 

Dameian Shepard owns Shepard Arms. The business had a location in Germantown for over two years before Shepard moved things to Menomonee Falls. Shepard says he's going to extra lengths by investing thousands in protections inside and outside the store.  

“I’m taking it very seriously," Shepard said. “This is not a bad thing here. This is not something that will put our kids at risk at all.”

According to state and federal laws, people can't carry a loaded firearm within a thousand feet of a school. If you violate the law, there are consequences. However, gun stores like Shepard Arms can legally sell them in those spaces. 

"As with most establishments that operate a business, there are required federal, state and local ordinances that the business must comply with. This company, Shepard Arms, has or is in the process of ensuring they have taken all the necessary steps," said Gene Neyhart, the captain of police for the Menomonee Falls Police Department, in a statement to CBS 58 over email. 

Neyhart was unavailable for an in-person interview with CBS 58 about the store. However, he said his department has had interactions with the business ensuring safety in the area. 

“I’m surprised that people think that if a gun store is in a vicinity of the school, that the school is in danger," said Shepard. “Every law-abiding citizen has the right to a firearm. Where they get it doesn’t matter.”

Shepard says his business offers classes to give concealed carry weapon licenses. He also has signs throughout the store aiming to inform people about rules he has in place to ensure safety.

For some parents like Fever, no matter the safety measures in place, they will keep their distance from the business. 

“Regardless of how close it is to the school, there are kids in this area all the time," Faber said. “It makes me uncomfortable, for sure.”