The South Bend Police Department reminds residents there are steep fines in effect for illegally firing a gun within city limits. The Common Council amended an ordinance in December of 2015, setting the fine for shooting a gun irresponsibly at $2,500- numerous citations have been issued since.

The fine is intended to prevent reckless and/or celebratory gunfire. We want residents to stop and think how their celebration can turn into tragedy, serious injury or significant property damage at minimum.

The higher fine is designed and intended to target those who shoot guns into the air to celebrate holidays such as New Year’s/Eve, or recklessly discharge a firearm for any reason, at any time.

Also, the South Bend Police and Fire Departments encourage residents to use fireworks safely and legally this New Year’s Eve, warning that fireworks violators could face steep fines as well.

Offenders can be fined up to $500 for possession of illegal fireworks, and/or arrested for endangering life and property. If fireworks injure someone or start a fire, the offender(s) can be charged with arson, a felony offense.