Aurora Police Will Monitor Celebratory Gunfire On NYE, Make Arrests: APD

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Police Department will monitor for "celebratory gunfire" on New Year's Eve using data and alerts, officials said Tuesday.

Officers will deploy patrol resources to areas that have experienced most celebratory gunfire on Dec. 31 last year and on the Fourth of July this year. Police plan to respond to all ShotSpotter activations across the city and arrest anyone found illegally discharging a firearm, according to a news release.

"Celebratory gunfire puts innocent people at risk, and our priority is protecting the people who live and work in Aurora," Chief Matt Thomas said in a statement. "ShotSpotter helps officers get to the right location faster, improves situational awareness, and helps us hold offenders accountable while keeping our community safe — especially during high-risk times like New Year’s Eve."

The department said celebratory gunfire is a problem that recurs in many cities, especially on New Year's Eve.

"Too often, it leads to tragic consequences when stray bullets strike innocent people," officials said. "Any bullet fired into the air must come down somewhere, and when it does, it poses a serious risk of injury or death."

Police will also continue regular patrols in an effort to prevent crime, respond to disturbances and enforce impaired driving laws.