Full Notification

Celebrating the New Year with Gunfire can be Deadly and will Not be Tolerated in the City and County of Los Angeles

Los Angeles:  Every year, a significant number of people throughout the City and County of

Los Angeles engage in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

In an effort to educate and warn the public of the problem, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) have embarked upon an awareness campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that, while on the decline, has continued to be a deadly tradition in our County and in our City.

Today, LAPD Commander Robert Arcos and LASD Sheriff Chief Anthony La Berge held a news conference to publicize their concern about holiday-related celebratory gunfire.  The Gunfire Reduction Campaign aims to advise the community that celebrating the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the County and City of Los Angeles. 

California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms.  Any person who violates Section 246.3 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime.

In the early morning hours, on January, 1, 2014, a male adult was outside in the 6800 block of Figueroa Street when he was struck in the face by a bullet, which fell from the sky. He was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The incident is a reminder of the dangers of a stray bullet.

The public is also reminded that toy replica guns that resemble real weapons are also a concern for law enforcement officers and that playing with replica guns is strongly discouraged.

Together, the proud men and women of LAPD and LASD ask the public to STOP the senseless act of firing weapons into the air and CELEBRATE SAFELY. 

In addition, should a shooting occur, members of the community are encouraged to call 9-1-1.   To report information regarding a crime, please call 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

For more information, please call LAPD Media Relations Section, at (213) 486-5910, or the

LASD’s Public Information Officer, Nicole Nishida, at (323) 810-1973.

Forwarded by:

Sheriff’s Information Bureau

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 

Hall of Justice - First floor  

211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

213-229-1700
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LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Jim McDonnell, Sheriff