Police Warn Against NYE Gunfire Celebrations

A victim of a "celebratory" bullet appeared at a press conference warning residents against firing guns in the air to celebrate New Years.

People across the region are sure to celebrate in their own special way during New Years. But city officials warn that one form of celebration could land you in jail.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and District Attorney Seth Williams attended a press conference at the D.A.’s office today, warning local residents not to ring in the New Year with gunfire.

“There is zero tolerance for people shooting firearms into the air to ‘celebrate’ the holiday,” said Williams. “It’s a stupid act that can have deadly consequences, and there is nothing festive about it.”

Joe Jaskolka, 24, also attended the press conference. Back on December 31, 1998, when he was only 11-years-old, Joe was struck in the head by a so-called “celebratory” bullet while walking along Fernon Street near Second Street in South Philadelphia. Joe is currently paralyzed on the right side of his body and face and also lost the use of his vocal chords on the left side.

Joe has undergone 33 brain surgeries and 21 eye surgeries. His family estimates insurers have paid more than $15 million to cover the cost of surgeries. The bullet is still lodged in his head and even after the surgeries Joe still suffers from double vision and shaking in his eyes whenever he speaks. His shooter was never caught.

“We went from having an annual New Year’s Eve party to having an annual press conference,” said Joe’s father Gregory.

For several years Joe and Gregory have joined the D.A. and police during their annual press conference to show a real life example of the consequences of firing guns in the air. But even with the yearly message, New Year’s Eve gunfire remains a serious problem. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Philadelphia Police received 177 reports of gunfire between 11 p.m. on December 31, 2010 and 3 a.m. on January 1, 2011.

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“Every year we have this message and every year we have people that go out and continue to fire guns in the air,” said Ramsey. “A bullet goes in the air it will come down somewhere.”

Anyone caught firing a gun in the air could be charged with recklessly endangering another person, which could lead to several years in prison. If the bullet actually hits someone, the shooter could be charged with aggravated assault, attempted murder or even murder.

“Ring in the New Year in a good way,” said Ramsey. “Don’t put somebody else’s life in jeopardy because you will go to jail.”
 

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