The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is encouraging residents to refrain from firing their guns into the air during upcoming New Year’s celebrations. This practice is commonplace during the festivities, but many people may not be aware of the danger present in discharging your firearm toward the sky.
The IMPD says that this dangerous and illegal action can cause serious or fatal injury. IMPD traditionally responds to several calls for service involving shots fired on New Year’s Eve.
A bullet fired into the air can ascend a mile or more, and falling ammunition can cause harm. 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 rate of 150 to 170 feet per second can penetrate human skin, while a velocity of 200 feet per second is sufficient to penetrate the human skull.
If arrested for firing a weapon, you could face a charge of Criminal Recklessness – a level 6 felony punishable by six months or up to two and a half years in jail, and a potential fine of up to $10,000.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
