Cop Car Struck by Celebratory Gunfire

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — As incidents of celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Eve poured into the St. Petersburg Police Department even an officer was impacted by the illegal practice.

According to the agency, an officer getting ready to go on duty around 10:30 p.m. Thursday went to his cruiser and discovered a bullet hole in its windshield. The vehicle was parked at police headquarters, 1300 1st Ave. N.

The damage, the police department said, was consistent with that caused by an “apparent falling bullet.” The incident occurred before the officer arrived, so it’s not certain when the shot was fired.

A 17-year-old girl was also struck by a falling bullet early Friday morning and five people were arrested in two separate incidents involving celebratory gunfire.

• See Also: Celebratory Gunfire Led to 5 Arrests, 1 Injury, Cops Say

Photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Police Department