Sheriffs Department to Crack Down on Illegal Firearm Activities
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department will be increasing their patrol to deal with a zero tolerance for illegal shooting of firearms into the air during this holiday season. The intent of this zero tolerance patrol and prosecution of all violators is to reduce the number injuries and deaths from stray bullets. Deputies in the county areas and officers in our contract cities will arrest and prosecute all individuals that are located discharging firearms during this holiday season.
It is important that the public is aware of the dangers involved with shooting a firearm into the air. A bullet will travel at speeds greater than 1000 feet per second often times with deadly results. You can be in your car, in your home or standing outside and the descending bullet can kill you or a member of your family.
The Sheriff's Department wants to remind all citizens that the unlawful firing of a firearm is a felony and you can be sentenced to state prison. For your safety and the safety of our children in our communities put the guns away and celebrate responsibly.
Celebrate Safely
DON'T FIRE GUNS IN THE AIR!!
The men and women of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department are asking our community to celebrate the holiday season safely and responsibly. DON'T FIRE GUNS IN THE AIR! Most individuals involved with celebrating the holidays with gunfire do not realize the danger and potential consequences of their actions. Think about the following . . .
♦ Researchers report that a bullet fired into the air can climb two miles in the air and remain in flight for more than a minute. As the bullet falls back to the ground it reaches a velocity of 150 or more feet per second which is less than when it exits the weapon but still sufficient to kill or seriously injure the shooter or anyone else in its path.
♦ Shooting a gun into the air is a felony. If you are arrested for doing so, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and you could go to prison. If a stray bullet from your gun kills someone, you will be arrested and charged with murder.
In an effort to reduce property damage, injuries and the potential of death--associated with indiscriminate gunfire--the men and women of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department are compelled to ask our community to act responsibly. Don't fire guns into the air! If you ever see someone committing such acts, please call the police.
Remember, what goes up will come down and when a bullet comes down it is traveling at a fatal velocity.
The Sheriff's Department and Police Departments throughout Riverside County will be putting out extra staff this holiday season in an effort to catch and aggressively prosecute any those who participate in this dangerous activity.