INDIANAPOLIS — What goes up, must come down. And if you're thinking about firing your gun into the air tonight to celebrate the end of 2020, just don't, OK?
Last year, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to more than 250 reports of shots fired on New Year's Eve and into the early hours of Jan. 1. Police are once again reminding residents that pointing a gun toward the sky and firing is a bad idea.
"This dangerous and illegal action can cause serious or fatal injury and lead to possible arrest and prosecution," a news release from IMPD said.
According to IMPD, a bullet fired into the air can ascend a mile or more. Smaller caliber ammunition can fall at a rate of 300 feet per second, and larger caliber ammunition can fall at a rate of 500 feet per second.
A bullet traveling at a rate of 150-170 feet per second can penetrate human skin, and a velocity of 200 feet per second can penetrate a person's skull.
Someone arrested for firing a weapon could face a felony criminal recklessness charge, which is punishable by six months to 2-1/2 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
IMPD officials asked that people call 911 if they see someone firing a weapon.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office also asked people to not call 911 to report illegal fireworks or loud parties. The city's non-emergency line is 317-327-3811.
The sheriff's office also provided guidance on when people should call 911:
- Call 911 to report a suspected drunk driver.
- If you see someone firing a gun, call 911.
- If you see an assault, disturbance or fight call 911.
- Always call 911 for a medical and/or fire emergency.
- If you accidentally called 911 and did not realize it; don't hang up. Dispatchers will have to call you back which will only tie up their valuable time.
- When reporting an emergency, always call 911 if you can and only text when you must.
RELATED | Gun shots or fireworks? IMPD received 250 calls for 'shots fired' New Years Eve
