Police: Don’t fire guns into the air

Orange County authorities are warning once again that it is illegal to celebrate New Year’s Day by firing a gun.

“There is no place in Orange County where it is safe or legal,” a news release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department stated.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the state traditionally release a warning about the practice right before New Year’s Eve.

Penalties for firing a bullet into the air can include jail for up to year, or even murder charges if the bullet kills someone.

The Sheriff’s Department is planning to send out special teams New Year’s Eve to track down reports of gunshots, and Orange County prosecutors have promised to prosecute those arrested to the fullest extent of the law.

Costa Mesa police are facing the issue like every other law enforcement agency in the state, and they are keeping an eye out on the issue, Sgt. Bryan Glass said.

“We’ve received several complaints in the past,” he said. “Every law enforcement agency sees it. We have citizens complain about it and report firing of guns during New Year’s every year. It is a concern of ours because of the danger it causes the community.”

According to authorities, at least one Orange County child has died because of a celebratory gunshot.

Xavier Morales, 9, of Anaheim, was killed by a shot fired in the air during a 2002 Independence Day celebration in Buena Park.

MICHAEL ALEXANDER may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or at michael.alexander@latimes.com.