Police warn against celebratory gunfire on New Year's Eve

We hear it every year when Police warn about the dangers of celebratory gunfire. Time and time again, people shoot in the air and break the law.

On Tuesday, Birmingham police sent out the warning again and say they are counting on the community to help cut out the dangerous tradition. They say it never fails, every year the guns go off and they want the community to know celebratory gunfire is illegal. They have been handing out these flyers in the community to make everyone aware of the law.

Police say if you see someone firing a gun on New Year's Eve or hear gunfire in your neighborhood call them immediately. In addition to the community's help, the Birmingham Police Department will dispatch 150 units to patrol on New Years Eve.  They will be utilizing their shot spotter system.  

Officers say this gunfire often leads to property damage or people being hurt or killed and that is why they take it so seriously. Still, they know it is often hard to catch the people responsible.

We want the lines of the city of Birmingham call center to be flooded and we may not be able to catch them, but we are going to try," said Chief Deputy Moody Duff.

Duff adds that if you are caught, you will be arrested and have to stand before a judge and explain why you were breaking the law. If a stray bullet hits someone, you will be charged with a felony assault.

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