Cleveland Police Warn Residents Not to Celebrate New Year's Eve With Guns

CLEVELAND, OH — Two-thousand sixteen has been a rough year, and many of us here in Cleveland will want to celebrate its end and welcome the beginning of 2017 on Saturday. However, don't even think of firing your Glock or 9mm into the air to celebrate.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, the city of Cleveland wants to remind everyone that not only is celebratory gunfire illegal, it is dangerous. The consequences and risks of celebratory gunfire can be significant and serious.

In any area, but especially in a densely populated urban area like Cleveland, the consequences of celebrating New Year’s Eve or any other occasion with a gun can be devastating. The intention may be a celebratory shot toward the sky, but the consequences of that moment can be disastrous for a neighbor or someone blocks away. When a firearm is discharged, the bullet will travel a path until it strikes someone or something. Not only can someone get hurt, it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the city of Cleveland (Codified Ordinance 627.20).

Our safety forces will be on duty throughout the neighborhoods of the city of Cleveland on New Year’s Eve. Our police, fire and emergency medical service personnel will be alert, patrolling and ready, but safety starts at home in your neighborhood. So celebrate safely this New Year’s Eve and ring in an enjoyable New Year.

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