A new campaign is raising awareness about shooting guns in the air ahead of Fourth of July celebrations this weekend.
SAN ANTONIO — With Fourth of July celebrations kicking off this week, the City of San Antonio has launched a public awareness campaign to crack down on dangerous and illegal celebratory gunfire.
City officials say the “Call the Shots” campaign will remind residents that celebratory gunfire is illegal in Texas and poses a serious threat to public safety, often resulting in property damage and putting lives at risk.
Recently, a San Antonio family woke up to a bullet lodged in their roof above their child’s bed, a harrowing example why the city and SAPD are trying to stop celebratory gunfire, especially ahead of Fourth of July weekend.
Gus and Lilly Vargas say they are grateful their 15-year-old son is safe. They believe the gunfire happened this past Mother’s Day around 4 a.m.
“It didn’t go all the way through down through the actual ceiling because if it did, it would have hit my son’s bedroom,” Gus said. “[If] it was two more feet to the right, it would’ve hit his bed right where he was sleeping.”
Gus says repair will take thousands of dollars. His wife, Lilly, says the emotional toll has been heavy.
“You don’t realize the damage it can do until it happens,” Lilly said. “They don’t see the effects right away or at all. Because you don’t know where that bullet is going to land.”
According to SAPD, the average number of daily gunfire reports they received last year was 79. That same year, SAPD received 287 calls on July 4.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus says what goes up, must come down.
“It’s illegal. It’s a Class A Misdemeanor you can go to jail for up to a year,” McManus said. “And be fined up to $4,000.”
The San Antonio Police Department says depending on the situation, celebratory gunfire can be several offenses such as discharging a firearm, disorderly conduct or aggravated assault.
SAPD says based on data from last Fourth of July, there were no discharge of a firearm arrests.
“Fortunately nothing happened to us. Just minor damages but just be responsible gun owners,” Gus said.
Officials remind residents that under Texas law, the reckless discharge of a firearm within city limits is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by significant fines and even jail time.
Residents are urged to report any celebratory gunfire immediately to the San Antonio Police Department’s non-emergency hotline at 210-207-SAPD (7273).
For more information, visit the website here.