12-17-25 Celebratory Gunfire PSA
The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office joins the St. Landry Crime
Stoppers Board to advise everyone of the dangers of celebratory
gunfire.
“The Most Predictable Crime”; that’s what one concerned citizen has
called it. This citizen has been documenting occurrences of gunfire
during the holidays for years. Last year, 359 shots fired in the
Opelousas area on one holiday alone. Enough is enough. This has to
stop and we need everyone to help make it happen. If you want to
celebrate, that is wonderful. Make some noise, light fireworks (if
legal), blow horns, play music. But shooting firearms in the air is an
invitation to trouble and is outright dangerous. WHAT GOES UP,
MUST COME DOWN: it’s not just a phrase, it is a scientific reality. No
one can reliably predict where the bullets will come down, but we do
know that they can injure and even kill people and animals. Not to
mention the damage they can do to houses, cars and other property.
Oh, by the way, it’s also illegal. You can be arrested, go to jail, and if
someone is injured or killed by your reckless act, jail may be your
permanent home.
If you have gunfire in your area, call 911 immediately and try to
provide the best possible location of its origin. If you need to provide
a tip on criminal activity, contact St. Landry Crime Stoppers at 337-
948-TIPS, or remember to download our P3 app and “Tap the App” to
“Say It Here” and report your anonymous tips. On behalf of the St.
Landry Crime Stoppers Board, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office
and Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, thank you and have a blessed
