Bibb Sheriff’s Office advises not to use celebratory gunfire

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – While you are out ringing in the New Year, the Bibb Sheriff’s Office is asking everyone to not participate in celebratory gunfire.

As crews prepare for New Year’s ball drops across middle Georgia, there will be a step up in patrols to deal with the large. 

Deputy Linda Howard with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says people get excited during the New Year’s holiday, which can lead to shooting guns into air. 

“Once a bullet goes up, it has to come down, and when it comes down, it’s coming down at a high rate of speed,” Howard said. 

A potentially frightening experience for those in the area. 

Howard says the sheriff’s office gets several calls during this time of year because residents are worried. 

“People will call because they get celebratory gunfire mixed up with fireworks,” Howard said. 

That’s exactly what happened to Jenny Rowe. 

41NBC spoked to her in July. She was hit by a stray bullet on Independence Day and almost lost her life. 

“I stood up to show my mother-in-law the video and the next thing you know, I got hit,” Rowe said. 

After a year of recovery, Rowe is now an advocate for preventing celebratory gunfire. 

“If I can prevent one person from getting shot because of celebratory gunfire then I’ll be happy,” Rowe said. 

Authorities say shooting a gun into the air in celebration is illegal and dangerous. The sheriff’s office adds shooting firearms recklessly and discharging a gun 50 yards from a public street or highway are both against the law.

Deputies are urging the community to remember that when you fire something into the air, it must come down. They say stray bullets can damage personal property and cause injury or death.

“Every year we hear that someone has been injured or killed by celebratory gunfire,” Bibb Sheriff David Davis said in a statement. “Randomly shooting a gun into the air is dangerous and illegal. It can lead to immense tragedy. Be responsible. Don’t let firearms join your New Year’s party.”

Bibb patrol deputies will be on high alert New Year’s Eve looking for people who are shooting firearms recklessly and for people who drink and drive.

If you hear any gunfire or see something suspicious, call (478) 751-7500.