Police: Don't Celebrate New Year's By Shooting Into The Sky
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The district attorney and the police department issued their annual warning Thursday about the dangers of firing guns into the air to celebrate the New Year, and they spoke of the consequences for all concerned.
"Have a good time in the house, bang pots if you want," DA Seth Williams said. "But do not go outside and fire off weapons."
Williams, continuing the tradition of his predecessor, urged Philadelphia revelers to keep the firearms inside and locked up.
Williams says what goes up, must come down and bullets are subject to the same gravity all objects are. He says a falling bullet could hit and seriously wound or kill someone on the ground.
He says police will be out in force New Year's Eve, responding to gunfire calls and those who are caught will be arrested, prosecuted and face jail time.
Last New Year's Eve, police received 128 calls of gunfire in various city neighborhoods.
Williams also urged those who intend to celebrate with beer or other alcoholic beverages, to do so wisely.
"If they're going to drink, to drink reasonably. We don't need a slew of drunk driving."
Reported by Mark Abrams, KYW Newsradio
