Strong warning from Sheriff Dept. about shooting guns on New Year’s Eve

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will be enforcing a Zero-Tolerance Policy when it comes to shooting in the air this New Year’s Eve.

The Sheriff’s Department wants everyone to be able to celebrate safely, but says unfortunately, some people celebrate the arrival of the New Year by firing guns into the air when the clock strikes midnight. It is important for the public to know that stray bullets have been known to penetrate walls, roofs, and cars, injuring and killing innocent people warns a news release sent out from the Department.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will arrest all individuals found discharging firearms. If convicted under California Penal Code section 246.3, these individuals could face felony charges, punishable by incarceration in the state prison. Any person, who observes someone preparing to, or discharging a firearm, is asked to immediately call 9-1-1 to report the incident.