Blytheville residents are again being reminded not to shoot guns in celebration of New Year's Eve.
According to Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson, the city has an ordinance against discharging firearms within city limits for any reason, including firing a gun into the air in celebration of the new year -- something Thompson said patrol units will be keeping an eye out for.
"The last few years we have doubled the amount of officers on the street during the hours leading up to and after midnight on New Year's Eve. The purpose of this extra patrol is to stop people shooting their guns on New Year's Eve by confronting and arresting them if necessary," Thompson said. "What goes up must come down, and it's ridiculous for anyone to shoot a gun and try to call it celebrating, because it's not a celebration -- it's illegal and it's dangerous."
Thompson said he realizes the evening is a time for celebration, but said firing a weapon is a ridiculous way to celebrate the incoming year and is a ritual he says needs to stop.
"When the clock strikes midnight bringing in the new year, Times Square will be cheering, people will be wearing silly hats, tooting funny horns, toasting champagne, couples will kiss and then some idiot is going to go outside and start shooting their gun," he said. "Let's be blunt -- it is a stupid, dangerous and unlawful act that only takes away from the moment and it needs to stop."
The city ordinance reads: "Any person who shall willfully and intentionally discharge any cannon, gun, pistol or other firearm within the corporate limits of the City of Blytheville, shall upon conviction thereof, be fined in a sum no less than five hundred dollars, ($500.00) and not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1000.00) for each such offense. "
In addition to a hefty fine, the judge can order firearms to be seized.
"Shooting guns on New Year's Eve is stupid, and stupid is as stupid does and when stupid shoots up in the air on New Year's Eve, stupid needs to be arrested," Thompson said.
BPD urges anyone who hears gunshots to call the department at 870-763-4411 and try and help officers determine exactly where the shots came from.
cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com