December 28, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Police Department is working toward a safe New Year’s Eve in Fort Wayne. We want everyone to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely. In this spirit, we would like to remind everyone of the dangers associated with celebratory gunfire. Shooting indiscriminately into the air can put you and your neighbors at great risk for injury and even death.
Across the United States, death, injury and property damage are attributed to New Year’s Eve celebratory gunfire. Bullets fired into the air usually fall back at terminal velocity, speeds much lower than those at which they leave the barrel of a firearm. Nevertheless, people can be injured, sometimes fatally. Property damage can also occur as bullets often lodge in roofs, causing minor damage that requires repair in most cases.
“Bring the New Year in right, don’t jeopardize someone’s safety by illegally discharging a firearm this New Year’s Eve”, said Chief Steve Reed.
Charges for discharging a firearm in the city can range anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony that can result in one being sentenced to years in prison.