#WTLCIndyNews: Police Warn: Don’t Celebrate The New Year By Shooting Into The Air In Indy

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department issued a firearms reminder to residents to put safety first as they celebrate the New Year.  IMPD says don’t shoot guns into the air during New Year’s celebrations across the city. It’s a dangerous practice that the department is trying to end because it can cause serious or fatal injuries. It’s also an illegal activity that and lead to possible arrest and prosecution.

When a bullet is fired into the air, according to police, that bullet can travel upwards of a mile or more. Whatever goes up must come down. Smaller caliber ammunition can fall at a rate of 300 feet per second and larger caliber ammunition can fall at a rate of 500 feet per second.  A rate of 150 to 170 feet per second can penetrate the human skin, while a velocity of 200 feet per second is sufficient to penetrate the human skull. That’s like shooting someone in the head, because a reveler wanted to ‘pop off’ to welcome a new year that would have been happy with a hello and a party favor horn blow.

There are repercussions. If police arrest a person for firing a weapon, expect to face a level six felony charge of Criminal Recklessness. This charge is  punishable by six months up to two and a half years in jail. It also carries a potential fine of up to $10,000.

The department urges citizens to  be their brother’s keeper by following the if you see something, say something rule. They want citizens to call 9-1-1 if they see someone firing a weapon.  They also urge everyone to celebrate the New Year responsibly.

### (@1067WTLC) ###