The couple that was ticketed for blowing a loud horn every time the Broncos scored went to court Monday, only to be told to come back in three weeks, after prosecutors gather evidence.
“We have until Dec. 18 to decide if we want a trial by jury,” said Larry Priest, who, along with his wife, Jeri, was given a summons last month by Adams County Sheriff’s deputies for disorderly conduct — unreasonable noise.
The Priests blow six electric car horns, linked together, for every point the Broncos score. One of their neighbors complained enough that deputies finally gave the Priests a ticket on Oct. 21.
“Right now, I’m thinking trial by jury,” said Priest, 69, a retired iron worker.
“We’ve got signatures from all of the neighbors except one that they like the horns. But the law is so vague, I might have to hire an attorney just to read the law to me.”
The neighbor who complained said he’s not the only resident irritated by the 500-decibel horns. He says the legal limit for noise is 55 decibels.
“This has been going on for two years,” said the neighbor, who requested anonymity. “Why does he have to aim it at my house? I’m fine if he puts it in his backyard. He has 20 acres back there.
“My wife is pregnant. This is out of control. I’m a Broncos fan, this has nothing to do with the Broncos. I’m not picking on them and I’m not being unreasonable. Why do they have to aim at my house?”cq Priest said they have continued to blow the horn during Broncos games, even after they were ticketed.
“Yesterday (Sunday), we put the horn in the backyard. We used to put it in the front, but the neighbor said he wouldn’t have a problem with it if it was in the back. We kinda aimed it at his house.”
Priest said deputies didn’t come to his house Sunday, even though the Broncos scored 34 points in their overtime loss to the Chicago Bears.cq
The charge is considered a petty offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or 6 months in jail.
Mike McPhee: 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com
