Celebratory gunfire blamed for Fla. boy's injuries

Celebratory gunfire blamed for boy's injuries just before New Year's Eve fireworks NE Florida

Published On: Jan 02 2013 08:11:34 AM EST
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Police say celebratory gunfire likely injured a Jacksonville boy waiting to watch New Year's Eve fireworks.

Lt. Jimmy Judge of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says that shortly before midnight Monday, the 8-year-old boy told his father that something had hurt his foot.

Judge said that when the boy's father examined his shoe, he found a bullet. The man carried his son to a nearby officer for help.

Judge says the boy was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities statewide urged people not to fire their guns in the air in celebration because the falling bullets can kill or injure innocent bystanders, even those who are far away from the shooter.

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