CORNELIUS, OR (KPTV) -
Firing a gun into the air to celebrate New Year's Eve could land you in prison.
Last year, a 7-year-old was hit by a stray bullet from a handgun that was fired in a Cornelius backyard. At least 47 spent 9 mm casings were found at the scene, according to police.
Investigators said the injured child was in his home watching TV about 700 feet from where the gun was fired.
The case is pending trial, with the suspect awaiting charges of unlawful use of a weapon and reckless endangering.
Police in Cornelius and Forest Grove said shooting a gun into the air can be classified as unlawful use of a weapon, a class C felony, punishable by a fine up to $20,000 and five years in prison.
Officers will be actively patrolling on New Year's Eve.
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