New Year’s Without Gunfire Is Theme of Sheriff’s Program
Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block launched the annual “Don’t Shoot” program Friday in an effort to cut down on the longtime and sometimes lethal custom of firing guns into the air on New Year’s Eve.
“Our intent is to encourage residents to ring in the new year without gunfire,” Block said.
“Safety first and common sense are the two most important requirements for enjoying the holidays. Every year, many people celebrate the new year by firing guns into the air, sometimes with tragic results,” Block said.
In March 1992, a 5-year-old Carson boy died after being struck in the head by a bullet fired into the air by a 15-year-old boy.
No one died in New Year’S Eve gunfire incidents last year, but 14 people were injured and 19 were arrested after shooting into the air.
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