Celebratory Gunfire Will Land You in a "Cell"

December 21, 2007 - Houston police officers responding to discharging firearms calls during this holiday season will be arresting any persons reported or seen shooting a gun in celebration. Not only does this result in property damage, but it endangers innocent lives every year. A random shot can travel more than one mile in distance.

Discharging a firearm in a metropolitan area is a Class A misdemeanor offense and is punishable by up to one year in a county jail and a fine up to $4,000.00.

The following are calls for service statistics for discharging firearms and/or shooting calls received during the 4th of July, Christmas and New Years Holidays in 2005 and 2006:

4th of July Holiday during peak hours of 6 p.m. and 4 a.m.:

2005- 77 Calls for service on July 3/4
-114 Calls for service on July 4/5

2006- 101 Calls for service on July 3/4
-111 Calls for service on July 4/5

Christmas Holiday during peak hours of 6 p.m. and 4 a.m.:

2005- 166 Calls for service on Dec. 24/25
- 68 Calls for service on Dec. 25/26

2006- 150 Calls for service on Dec. 24/25
- 33 Calls for service on Dec. 25/26

New Years Holiday during peak hours of 6 p.m. and 4 a.m.:

2005- 402 Calls for service on Dec. 31/Jan. 1
- 64 Calls for service on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2

2006- 378 Calls for service on Dec. 31/ Jan.1
- 79 Calls for service on Jan. 1/ Jan.2

GO/JFC 12-21-07

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.