Philadelphia officials warn about shooting off guns for New Year

Philadelphia City officials had a special guest as they asked people not to usher in the new year with gunfire. 

John Jaskolka was shot in the head on December 31st 1998 and the bullet remains to this day, leaving him paralyzed on the right side of his body.

“I just fell down to the ground, shot in the head by celebratory gunfire,” he said.

Police have not been able to prove who fired the gun that injured Jaskolka. 

The number of shooting reports goes up tenfold on New Years Eve in the city. Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says people don’t think when they pull the trigger.

“There are laws of gravity folks,” Ramsey said.  “Bullets go up and they do come down, and we have no control on where they may land and who they may injure.” 

If you are caught firing a gun this way in Pennsylvania at a minimum you face misdemeanor charges, which could rise to a felony if someone is injured.