Gunfire hits 2 people, 11 homes, 1 patrol car in Kansas City on New Year’s Day: police
.jpg "Kansas City police say two people were injured by gunfire on New Year’s Day after rounds of celebratory shooting.")
Two people were injured and property was damaged across Kansas City as many residents welcomed the New Year with a hail of celebratory gunfire, according to police.
Both persons were treated at area hospitals for injuries described by police as not life threatening. Each told investigators they were struck by strays, and one said he believed the bullet hit him from above.
Reports made to Kansas City police also included 11 cases of property damage caused by the gunfire as of Monday morning, the department announced in a social media post. One Kansas City Police Department patrol vehicle was also struck by a round. A photograph shared by the police department showed a bullet puncture on the hood of the car.
In all, police estimate 1,162 gunshots were fired during the holiday based on information generated by ShotSpotter, an alert system designed to detect the unique sound of gunfire. That’s down from last year’s estimate of 1,623.
Last week, police sought to dissuade participation in the illegal tradition last week by hosting a press conference to outline the potential dangers of aimlessly firing gunshots as a means of celebration.
Sgt. Jake Becchina, a department spokesman, cited at the time the dangers of firing a gun into the air. He said the bullets may travel more than a thousand yards.
“When you shoot your gun in the air, you don’t get to decide where that round goes,” Becchina said.
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This story was originally published January 4, 2022 at 7:33 PM.
