COVINGTON, Ga. - The Covington Police Department wishes the community a safe and prosperous New Year and wants to remind citizens of the dangers of celebratory gunfire.

"Remember, 'What goes up must come down," Capt. Ken Malcom said in a news release Friday. 

According to the CDC, “a bullet fired into the air can return to the ground at speeds exceeding 200 feet per second, a sufficient force to penetrate the human skull and cause serious injury or death.” 

"This activity is extremely reckless and dangerous," Malcom said. "Every time this thoughtless act occurs, it’s possible that it can cause property damage and serious bodily injury or death to an innocent party. 

"Sadly, there have been cases in Georgia where this irresponsible act has ended an innocent person’s life.  To avoid this type of potential tragedy, we simply ask that you celebrate the New Year responsibly and avoid this type of behavior."