Car damaged by bullet; police warn against celebratory gunfire

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Police in West Palm Seashore are issuing a warning for residents to chorus from celebratory gunfire forward of the brand new yr.

This comes after police stated a West Palm Seashore couple seen a bullet gap within the hood of their Honda Accord on Tuesday evening.

A lady advised them that she left their condo advanced at about 5 p.m. and drove round performing errands however did not discover the injury till she returned house. The couple, who dwell within the 1000 block of The Pointe Drive, then referred to as the police after noticing the bullet gap.

Investigators stated it’s unclear if the car was hit by gunfire earlier than or whereas the lady was driving.

WPTV

“Whereas it might be culturally accepted in some international locations, celebratory gunfire — capturing weapons into the air to ‘have fun’ holidays shouldn’t be solely harmful however unlawful in Florida,” West Palm Seashore police spokesman Mike Jachles stated in a information launch. “Falling bullets can injure and kill.”

Citing the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, police stated 80% of accidents from celebratory gunfire are to the pinnacle, shoulders and ft of these hit.

“The danger of being killed when struck by celebratory gunfire is larger than a typical capturing, due to the elevated chance of a penetrating cranium damage,” Jachles stated. “Property may also be broken by celebratory gunfire, mostly when bullets turn into lodged in roofs, penetrate vehicles or different property on the bottom, just like the hood of automotive that was struck Dec. 26, which may have killed injured or killed anybody within the automotive.”

Police stated extra officers will likely be on patrol all through the New Yr’s vacation.

They stated there’s a zero-tolerance for celebratory gunfire and anybody caught by police will face the utmost fees.