Shannon’s Law this New Years

There’s only days away until we ring in the New Year, but there is one “tradition” practiced that could have you behind bars.

A dangerous practice that happens usually around the holidays or a celebration that could kill someone nearby.Shannon’s Law is something the Yuma Police Department is encouraging the community to be aware of. Sergeant Lori Franklin explains what consequences someone could face if caught this New Years.

“Back then reckless shooting a firearm within municipality’s limit was a misdemeanor, now Shannon’s law has made that a felony offense.You can receive a year to two years in jail if convicted. It’s kind of a big right now because with New Year’s coming up and one of the big habits that everyone has is when New Year’s Eve strikes midnight, people want to go out and shoot their weapons.

In 1999, a fourteen-year-old girl from Phoenix, Shannon Smith, was killed while talking on the cell phone in her backyard, when a bullet from the atmosphere killed her instantly. Reports say the bullet was fired from a mile away.

“Talking on a cell phone with her friend when a stray bullet came out and killed her instantly. Everything that goes up has to come back down…you just don’t know where it’s going to come down at.”,Franklin says.

YPD is encouraging the community to be aware of Shannon’s Law, and to stay safe this New Years.

“We try to go out and to Public and educate that it’s not a good idea, find other ways to celebrate.”