Philadelphia Authorities: Don't Ring In 2017 By Firing Guns Into Air
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia authorities are warning anyone who fires a weapon at the stroke of midnight on New Year's will be arrested and charged.
29-year-old Joe Jaskolka recalled his New Years in 1998:
"I was just going down to see the fireworks at Penns Landing," he began.
Jaskolka was just eleven-years old at the time, when he was struck in the head with a bullet.
"I fell down to the ground, bleeding from the head," he said.
The bullet is still wedged in his brain and now, Jaskolka lives in a wheelchair.
"Really, it's like life in decline," he adds.
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The suspect was never caught. District Attorney Seth Williams says Jaskolka is an example of what can happen:
"If anyone is observed firing a weapon into the air, you will be charged with recklessly endangering another person. You might also be charged with aggravated assault, which is a felony of the first degree
Punishable with up to ten years in prison. And Williams says if you hit someone, you will be charged with Attempted Murder.