Area Police Prepare for Holiday Gunfire

Though they concede the potentially deadly practice will never disappear, police in Orange County are hoping that education and stiff penalties will deter people from firing guns tonight to celebrate the New Year.

Santa Ana will have extra officers on patrol to answer “shots fired” calls. And the city produced radio and television announcements and distributed fliers in English, Spanish and Vietnamese urging people not to shoot into the air at midnight and reminding them that the bullets have to come down somewhere.

“All it takes is one round to affect a whole family’s life,” Police Sgt. Steve Despenas said. “I don’t think we can eliminate it totally, but if we can reduce it, we have accomplished our goal.”

Police in other cities agree the problem seems to be decreasing countywide, but they will still be alert for armed revelers.

“If a neighbor sees you and calls us, we will come and take away the gun and we will prosecute you,” said Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Richard Bell. “New Year’s is a good time to make noise, but not with a firearm.”