By Daily Press staff
You had better duck and cover when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s, or you could be killed with a stray bullet.
The ritual of shooting firearms on New Year’s Eve may have started in Mexico, but it has moved into the Los Angeles area in the last decade, as well as across the country.
Dozens of people die each year from stray bullets and authorities this week warned against firing guns into the air, saying such acts would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Santa Monica Police Chief James T. Butts Jr. is urging the continued support of the community in ensuring a safe New Year’s celebration.
Each year, as part of the New Year’s Eve celebration, many individuals discharge their firearms into the air, not realizing the potential consequences of their actions, police said. California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms. Any person who violates section 246.3 of the California Penal Code will have their firearm(s) confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime. Shooters will be arrested and prosecuted for negligent discharge of a firearm, which is a felony and punishable by imprisonment in state prison. If arrested, bail will be $25,000.
If you see a person shoot a gun, police ask people to report it. Call 911 and give the police dispatcher as much information as possible about the shooting. If you only hear gunfire, call (310) 458-8491 immediately. Callers, who wish to remain anonymous, yet still become eligible for a reward, also may call the WeTip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 30, 2005. Read the original PDF.