Police Hope to Prevent Celebratory Gunfire

Hoping to curb the dangerous holiday practice of shooting guns in the air as a form of celebration, Santa Ana police warn they will arrest anyone who engages in this illegal activity.

Starting Friday and continuing through New Year’s Day, the department will distribute “Don’t Shoot” fliers, broadcast public-service announcements and have extra officers patrolling the streets to respond to calls of “shots fired.”

Officers will arrest anyone caught indiscriminately shooting guns, police said.

The custom, which often erupts at the tolling of the new year, has killed bystanders in some areas nationwide. Police note that celebratory bullets fired skyward have to fall to earth somewhere--and can kill. In addition, the reports of shooting tie up officers who must investigate the calls.

Santa Ana police urge residents “not to endanger themselves or their loved ones by indiscriminately firing guns.”