COUNTYWIDE : Sound of Gunfire Rings in New Year
The sound of gunshots once again rang in the new year across Ventura County on Wednesday morning as revelers continued the annual practice of firing rifles and handguns into the air, police said.
Law enforcement officers countywide responded to a number of disturbance calls involving reported gunfire on what was otherwise described as a quiet evening.
In Oxnard, police received 28 reports of gunfire between 11:45 p.m. Tuesday and 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, Police Lt. Jeff Young said. There were no arrests or injuries reported, Young said.
While Oxnard had the highest number of reported gunshots, sheriff’s deputies in other parts of the county also received a number of disturbance calls, sheriff’s officials said.
Oxnard police handed out 3,000 brochures warning residents of the danger that random gunfire poses to property and bystanders.
The brochures also vowed increased enforcement against offenders. Shooting a gun into the air could lead to arrest and a fine of up to $500.
California Highway Patrol officers were more concerned with drunk driving than gunplay over New Year’s Eve.
Officers arrested 12 people in Ventura County on suspicion of driving under the influence during the enforcement period that began at 6 p.m. Tuesday and continued through New Year’s Day.
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