Celebrating the New Year with Gunfire or Fireworks “Will Not Be Tolerated” in the City of Los Angeles NR17383bm

Los Angeles: Every year, a significant number of people throughout the City of Los Angeles engage in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air and using fireworks to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

In an effort to educate and warn the public, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) wants to remind everyone that celebratory gunfire and the use of fireworks are illegal in the 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. California Health & Safety Code 12677 makes it unlawful for any person to possess dangerous fireworks without a valid permit. Violators of 12677 will be arrested for a misdemeanor crime.

The LAPD encourages everyone to celebrate the arrival of the New Year safely by not discharging firearms into the air and only participating in organized fireworks displays.

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.