Police Warn Against Firing A Gun To Celebrate New Year

New Year's celebrants who shoot off guns to ring in 2014 could face criminal charges, authorities warned today.

Such reveling is illegal across the state -- and throughout the year. California Penal Code section 246.3 prescribes a one-year sentence for anyone convicted of using a gun recklessly, or in a manner that "could result in injury or death to a person."

"We are asking the community to celebrate the New Year safely and responsibly," said Detective John Samano of the Corona Police Department. "Don't fire guns in the air. Remember: what goes up, will come down. And when a bullet comes down, it is traveling at a fatal velocity."

Police are warning they will arrest those who shoot off guns for fun. Samano said a felony conviction will also lead to the loss of gun ownership privileges.

According to the detective, if a stray bullet ends up killing a person, the shooter will likely face a murder charge.

Anyone who witnesses an act of gunplay on New Year's Eve or any other occasion should call 911. --City News Service and Toni McAllister contributed to this report.