by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Sheriff Station says that shooting off your guns to celebrate the New Year is not a good idea: it's a dangerous a felony, and "will not be tolerated."
A press release from the station says that celebratory gunfire "is an extremely dangerous practice. As a reminder, deputies from Altadena Sheriff’s Station, in an effort to stop and reduce these types of incidents will be enforcing Penal Code section 246.3." That section of the code prohibits the discharge of a firearm and anyone arrested fill be charged with a felony and their gun will be confiscated.
"Additionally, should a shooting occur, members of the community are encouraged to call 9-1-1.," the press release says. "Please help us in keeping the community of Altadena safe."
The Sheriff's Department, along with the LAPD, the Board of Supervisors, and other government bodies are promoting a Gunfire Reduction Campaign to help reduce the number of New Year's gunfire incidents. Firing into the air is not safe: the bullet will come down, accelerating at 32 ft/second and be just as deadly. According to a press release from the sheriff's office, "On July 4, 1999, Brian Perez, a young, outgoing, 9 year-old boy was playing with family members in the front yard of his home. Someone in the area shot a firearm into the sky and the stray bullet struck Brian in the head, killing him. 'Shooting guns in the air is dangerous and illegal. If you are caught shooting a gun in the air you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law', said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck."
