Crime & Safety
Gulfport PD: Keep the Guns Stored This Fourth of July
Planning to fire off some rounds in celebration? "Come down to the Gulfport beach to watch an amazing fireworks display rather than putting on your own show," Gulfport Police say.
Gulfport Police are asking residents to keep their guns locked up this Fourth of July instead of shooting them off in celebration.
Police will confiscate weapons and ammunition without warning if they are discharged in public, a first-degree misdemeanor, Sgt. Thomas Woodman said in a media release.
"Celebratory gunfire has claimed lives and is responsible for many injuries and incidents of property damage," Woodman said. "Please do the right thing. Keep the guns stored securely, and come down to the Gulfport beach to watch an amazing fireworks display rather than putting on your own show."
Officers will also be on the lookout for fireworks other than sparklers and novelties, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.
Officers will confiscate illegal fireworks and cite or arrest violators, Woodman said.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.