The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to refrain from using celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Eve. Celebratory gunfire is defined as “shooting a firearm into the air in celebration”. Not only is celebratory gunfire dangerous, but it is also against the law. Shooting firearms recklessly and discharging a firearm 50 yards from a public street or highway are both against the law. When you fire something up into the air, it must come down. Stray bullets can damage personal property and it can cause personal injury or even death.
Many people think that a bullet will travel really high into the sky, but they don’t think about the fact that it comes back down at a high rate of speed. The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public to be mindful and remember what goes up must come down and that incidents from celebratory gunfire can easily be avoided.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office also wants to remind the public to be safe and responsible when using fireworks. Fireworks are allowed to be used between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and 12:00 midnight to 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day. No one under the age of 18 years old should be discharging fireworks. An adult should always be present. We ask that fireworks be discharged in your driveway away from grass and heavily wooded area’s.
Bibb County Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies will be out on New Year’s Eve, paying special attention to individuals engaged in reckless conduct with firearms and fireworks as well as those who decide to drink and drive. We want to do our part to ensure that everyone has a safe and Happy New Year’s celebration.
If anyone hears gunfire or sees anything suspicious call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500.