ORLANDO, Fla. — Millions of people across the country are getting ready to usher in the New Year. At the same time, law enforcement in Central Florida want to remind the public about the dangers of celebratory gunfire.
- Orlando Police discourage residents from celebratory gunfire
- In 2016, 9-year-old at church service was grazed by bullet
- Charges can range from 1st-degree misdemeanor to 3rd-degree felony
The Orlando Police Department says they are keeping a watchful eye and ear out for anyone firing guns into the air.
It's a serious danger that played out in real-life for one church community.
On January 1, 2016, just after midnight, shots went off in the area outside Majestic Life Ministries on South Kirkman Road in Orlando. The New Year's Eve service was just wrapping up when Orlando Police say a bullet grazed a 9-year-old girl, which was thought to be from celebratory gunfire.
"It was just someone doing a random gunfire... a stray bullet hit a person, so we want to make sure wherever people are (to) be mindful of those who are in your surroundings and just what you're doing," Pastor Chauncey Brown said.
Brown says there has not been another shooting at or near the church since the 2016 incident. Still, he says the congregation remains vigilant, encouraging the public to enjoy themselves on the holiday but to do so safely.
"The part we have to remember is that sometimes, we have stray bullets shooting in the air, (and) you don't know where that bullet is going to land, so you have to be mindful of making those gunshots," Brown said.
Sgt. David Baker with Orlando Police says it's illegal in Florida to recklessly discharge a firearm in public or on your own property, and that people could face penalties if someone is hurt or killed.
"We encourage people to have a good time on the holiday, but celebratory gunfire can be very dangerous," Baker said.
Baker says police will be monitoring communities and will be doing outreach.
"We will have a strong presence on social media, discouraging people from celebratory gunfire on our social media platforms and also our officers on the street," he said.
Charges for recklessly discharging a firearm in public or on residential property can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.