There is no place in Orange County where it is safe or legal to fire a gun in the air to celebrate the New Year. Even a small caliber bullet will go up to 2 miles in the air and come crashing back to the ground at a speed capable of penetrating a human skull.
Incidents of guns fired to celebrate the New Year have declined in Orange County in recent years but even one carelessly fired shot carries with it the potential to kill. At least one child in Orange County has died due to a celebratory shot fired into the air and Orange County law enforcement agencies are united in their commitment to prevent any more such casualties.
On July 4, 2002, a shot fired in the air during a Buena Park fireworks demonstration killed 9-year old Xavier Morales of Anaheim. To further thwart those who insist on shooting their guns to herald in the New Year, special teams are being deployed on New Year’s Eve to respond to any reports of gunshots. The District Attorney states that his office will prosecute those arrested to the fullest extent of the law. These teams are being deployed by the Sheriff’s Department and will assist other agencies when needed.
Some things to remember:
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If you shoot your gun in the air, you might be jailed for up to a year.
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If your bullet kills another person, you will be prosecuted for murder.
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A bullet fired into the air is traveling at a speed of 300 to 700 feet per second when it falls back to earth. It has enough force to penetrate a human skull.
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Call 911 if you see someone fire a gun into the air.
Section 246.3 of the California Penal Code outlaws the “Grossly negligent discharge of a firearm.”
The law says in part:
“any person who willfully discharges a firearm in a grossly negligent manner which could result in injury or death to a person is guilty of a public offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison.”
For questions, please contact Sgt. John Meyer, Orange County Sheriff, at(949) 470-3015
