Simple question to a problem some of us may be all too familiar with:
You're sitting in your house, it's late at night. You hear gunfire in the distance. You're pretty sure it's not fireworks.
Do you call 911? Even if you can't give them any info other than the general direction of the gunfire.
Do you call the non emergency line and give them some basic info?
Or do you feel that it's not going to be high on their list of priorities since you can't give a specific location and there's no known victim involved... so why bother.
Inquiring minds want to know.
Quote from: David on January 14, 2010, 01:28:51 PM
Or do you feel that it's not going to be high on their list of priorities since you can't give a specific location and there's no known victim involved... so why bother.
bingo.
I called about gun shots in front of my house during the time of the rap shows at the 5 points theater on Sunday nights. I heard 2 shots from my balcony and then saw 3 girls running away down Herschel St. I didn't see the shooter though. I called 911 and told the operator what I saw and she said:
Is anyone hurt? I don't know but none that I can see.
Did you see the shooter? No.
Would you like an officer to come by for a statement? I guess not.
Its impossible to know where/who it came from. I usually ignore it, unless I can tell a source, othewise, there really isnt a lot to tell 911, or 630-0500.
That's what I figured would happen if I called 911 last night.
I heard 3 gunshots in the distance around 1:32 am this morning. I called the non emergency line and they didn't seem to be too worried.They pretty much asked me the same questions they asked Shwaz. I asked my friend who lives a half mile away here in San Marco if she heard the shots last night, she said yes and they were extremely loud, woke her up from a deep sleep.
No one's hurt though, so I guess it's just "playful" gunfire and nothing to worry about. right??? haaa oh man.
In fairness though, there's not much they can do with that little bit of info I suppose. I'm just curious as to how people react in that situation.
I agree the action is limited when the info is vague... I was a little disappointed because the shots were so close to my house and the people running away meant it must've been on the block. I was hoping for "Yes sir we will get police there immediately and catch these guys"!
Once just for grins I slept outside at my Avondale residence...........lot's of gunfire.And the rooster was a treat.
I usually just stand in the yard and think to myself another one bites the dust and wait for sirens!
With me its take cover and start groping for the weapons I used to carry............we don't have gun fire in my hood, atleast not yet!
In some places they have installed devices with microphones at the tops of power poles that allow them to triangulate the location of the gunshots very precisely.
Of course on New Years Eve it would be useless. We went inside when we began to hear spent bullets hitting the trees and the tops of houses.
People, If you've got to something as stupid as firing your gun on New Years Eve AT LEAST POINT IT AT THE GROUND! Do you think that the things just ascend into heaven?
you guys don't just shoot back?
QuoteAnd the rooster was a treat.
I especially like the ones that crow all hours of the day at Walnut and 1st.
Depends where I am, and how far out.
If it is close(block or so), I will click my safety off the firearm I have on me 80% of the time. As I have been shot at on more then one occasion its not something that scares me to much.
Most people don't haven't paid or gone through any gun training courses or can much less fire one properly.
If it was close and I saw someone attacking someone or attempting to with a firearm I will engage them after one warning to disarm
If its far off, I don't give it a second thought.
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 14, 2010, 03:44:46 PM
In some places they have installed devices with microphones at the tops of power poles that allow them to triangulate the location of the gunshots very precisely.
The military uses this in Iraq, fun little toy will give you everything from position to range. Not sure if it works with a muzzlebreak on the gun as accurately tho.
Umm maybe you have Serbs in neighborhood.
It's orthodox Christian New Year after all.
As long as gunfire stops before 4:30am,I wouldnt worry too much.
you know firing a gun into the air is a very serious problem and this city doesn't even address it. When this happens: http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/4-year-old-killed-264602.html there will no doubt be some finger pointing and hand wringing.
I always stand and applaud.
The whole celebratory gunfire was very new and shocking for me when I moved here. It is quite unnerving, and I don't understand the reasoning for it. How come people up North don't perform this ridiculous activity? Is it a Jacksonville thing or a Southern thing? An inquiring mind would like some background information. ;D
Southern thing...actually its more of a
if you live out in BFE there isnt much to hurt letting off some rounds for no other reason then just cause
Quote from: Shwaz on January 14, 2010, 01:54:23 PM
I called about gun shots in front of my house during the time of the rap shows at the 5 points theater on Sunday nights.
When did they have rap shows at 5 points theater on sunday nights?
From Wikipedia:
Celebratory gunfire is the shooting of a firearm into the air in celebration. It is culturally accepted in the Balkans, the Middle East, the South Asian regions of Northern India as well as Pakistan and Afghanistan and Latin American regions such as Puerto Rico as well as some areas of the United States. Common occasions for celebratory gunfire include New Year's Day as well as the religious holidays Christmas and Eid.[1] The practice may result in random death and injury from stray bullets. Property damage is sometimes another result of celebratory gunfire; shattered windows and damaged roofs are often found after such celebrations.[2] Describing the practice, an American sheriff from Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, David A. Clarke Jr., said, "Even though some consider this a tradition, it is extremely dangerous and a violation of the law. In densely populated urban areas, this behavior is not only illegal, but it's reckless. There is no way of predicting where the bullet will land."[3] However, it is generally not as dangerous if one uses blank rounds.[4]
Quote from: brainstormer on January 14, 2010, 08:20:07 PM
The whole celebratory gunfire was very new and shocking for me when I moved here. It is quite unnerving, and I don't understand the reasoning for it. How come people up North don't perform this ridiculous activity? Is it a Jacksonville thing or a Southern thing? An inquiring mind would like some background information. ;D
Actually many cities in the north do have an issue with this. It is not just "a southern thing". I remember watching a documentary about a northern city that has had a tradition of celebratory gunfire so bad that they had a name for the evening that all their thugs shot in the air just for giggles. Yes, I know its hard to believe that there are cities up north that have thugs. I can't remember if it was Detroit or Philly or something of that ilk. In fact, I was at a new year's eve party off of Hodges this year and a guy from Staten Island pulled out a 380 auto and shot it for no particular reason except to get attention. At least he had the decency to shoot into the ground.
Yes, there are reckless people up north as well. Shocking!
Quote from: A-Finnius on January 14, 2010, 08:37:43 PM
When did they have rap shows at 5 points theater on sunday nights?
Back when it was Club 5 and the cool runnings gang had a night going on there.
Ah..the Cool Runnings Scumbags that left us with blown speakers,blunt wrappers and Jerk chicken bones in our RENTAL amp racks. They are probably sitting in jail now if they were lucky. New Years Eve 2008 I witnessed actual tracer rounds being fired over I-10 from the Stockton St/ Beaver St area. the station attendant and a Vet that was filling up agreed with me that they weren't fireworks.
The worst case I ever heard was July 4th 2008. I know 223 and 308 semi auto bursts when I hear them...That was the day the DJ from Starlight got his eyes gouged out.(and the now famous riot took place complete with JSO copters hovering with spotlights for several hours)
The next day I got "Pulled over" on my bicycle by JSO...when I asked the Cop, He swore he wasn't working the night of the "Alleged" riot at 5-Points. (I didn't hear anything about it he said!?!)
Matter of fact the whole thing was swept under the rug and we still don't know anything past the denied gunfire and pissed off concert goers that were refused admittance to a purposely overbooked RAP show.
I say "ah shit" and I'm over it. Out here in Mandarin, it is usually rifle shots going off, not so much handguns.
Quote from: Sportmotor on January 14, 2010, 07:44:54 PM
Depends where I am, and how far out.
If it is close(block or so), I will click my safety off the firearm I have on me 80% of the time. As I have been shot at on more then one occasion its not something that scares me to much.
Most people don't haven't paid or gone through any gun training courses or can much less fire one properly.
If it was close and I saw someone attacking someone or attempting to with a firearm I will engage them after one warning to disarm
That's a very dangerous assumption to make. The last FBI study showed that criminals went to gun ranges for practice more often than police. They may not receive the same level of training, but the bad guys are putting plenty of rounds down range. Accurately.
Also, it's your life but I'd think twice before intervening in an armed encouter, unless you have ALL the facts. How do you know the guy with the gun isn't an undercover cop? If your gun clears leather, you're looking at potential charges ranging from brandishing (a misdemeanor, IIRC) to aggravated assault even if no shots are fired. Ag assault is a felony charge that carries a mandatory three year sentence.
Your best bet is to call 911 and leave it for the police. Get as many details as possible, and be the best witness you can. Of course every situation is different, but ask yourself this - are you willing to potentially do 3 years in Raiford for a total stranger?
As far as gunfire, it's not uncommon in Mandarin since we have swamps behind us. Gunfire in the distance is not big deal; gunfire in my neighborhood would be something else entirely.
Quote from: David on January 14, 2010, 11:12:22 PM
Quote from: A-Finnius on January 14, 2010, 08:37:43 PM
When did they have rap shows at 5 points theater on sunday nights?
Back when it was Club 5 and the cool runnings gang had a night going on there.
So no more "Hip Hop" shows at the 5 points theatre? I remember seeing Goldfinger there when I was like 22 but I thought it quit hosting concerts soon after that. How long has it been an actual theatre?
It's been open as a theater for over a year.
www.5pointstheatre.com (http://www.5pointstheatre.com)
They have regular movies and off beat ones too. They also frequently have a midnight movie and showed some of the bowl games.
They have Bold City brews on tap.
If they would just fix the noisy air-conditioner it would be perfect!
Quote from: Dog Walker on January 16, 2010, 10:40:35 AM
It's been open as a theater for over a year.
www.5pointstheatre.com (http://www.5pointstheatre.com)
They have regular movies and off beat ones too. They also frequently have a midnight movie and showed some of the bowl games.
They have Bold City brews on tap.
If they would just fix the noisy air-conditioner it would be perfect!
Mmmmm... Bold City.... I'll have to check out a flick there soon.
Run for the hills and run for cover!
Then give praise and thanks that I'm still in one piece!
All jokes and kidding aside, if I know for sure where it's coming from, definite that I know where it's coming from, I will call 911. But if it sounds distant, and I don't know where it's at or where it's coming from, then I let nature take its course and hope that no one got hurt or killed; that's all you can do. You got to be sure you know where it's coming from before calling 911.
"HU"
Quote from: UpOn2Wheels on January 15, 2010, 08:30:20 AM
Quote from: Sportmotor on January 14, 2010, 07:44:54 PM
Depends where I am, and how far out.
If it is close(block or so), I will click my safety off the firearm I have on me 80% of the time. As I have been shot at on more then one occasion its not something that scares me to much.
Most people don't haven't paid or gone through any gun training courses or can much less fire one properly.
If it was close and I saw someone attacking someone or attempting to with a firearm I will engage them after one warning to disarm
That's a very dangerous assumption to make. The last FBI study showed that criminals went to gun ranges for practice more often than police. They may not receive the same level of training, but the bad guys are putting plenty of rounds down range. Accurately.
Also, it's your life but I'd think twice before intervening in an armed encouter, unless you have ALL the facts. How do you know the guy with the gun isn't an undercover cop? If your gun clears leather, you're looking at potential charges ranging from brandishing (a misdemeanor, IIRC) to aggravated assault even if no shots are fired. Ag assault is a felony charge that carries a mandatory three year sentence.
Your best bet is to call 911 and leave it for the police. Get as many details as possible, and be the best witness you can. Of course every situation is different, but ask yourself this - are you willing to potentially do 3 years in Raiford for a total stranger?
As far as gunfire, it's not uncommon in Mandarin since we have swamps behind us. Gunfire in the distance is not big deal; gunfire in my neighborhood would be something else entirely.
I would bet my life that I am a far better shot and have had enough training which still conts that I am better.
Besides should I yell "Police drop the weapon now" and they do not id themselfs then well..
Oh and answer to would I be willing to do jail time for a stranger if it were self defence in teh 3rd party? Yes I would.
(http://www.thelocal.de/articleImages/12199.jpg)
STEP ONE:
Run into the garage and pull out the World War II surplus toys dad left me!
STEP TWO:
Alert family in other parts of the house via the intercom (we wouldn't want wife and daughters to miss an opportunity at playing with the Thompson's now would we?)
"ALL HANDS TO GENERAL QUARTERS
PREPARE TO ATTACK LOCAL THUGS, JERKS AND GOB'S
COMMENCE MAKING SMOKE
STAND BY FOR FIRING INSTRUCTIONS..."
STEP THREE:
Once the crew is in place sit and wait hell!
From the upstairs room comes the word
"GUN CREW THIS IS COMBAT
SIGHT BERING ON THE THUGS
THREE FOUR TWO
THAT CHECKS WITH OUR FIRE CONTROL RADAR
GUN SHOT BEARING TWO NINE ONE AND THREE THREE NINE
GUN CREW THIS IS COMBAT
STAND BY TO OPEN FIRE
STAND BY
STAND BY
STAND BY
MARK ONE FOUR OH DOUBLE OH
FIRE!"
Problem solved
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: Ocklawaha on January 18, 2010, 06:25:39 PM
(http://www.thelocal.de/articleImages/12199.jpg)
STEP ONE:
Run into the garage and pull out the World War II surplus toys dad left me!
STEP TWO:
Alert family in other parts of the house via the intercom (we wouldn't want wife and daughters to miss an opportunity at playing with the Thompson's now would we?)
"ALL HANDS TO GENERAL QUARTERS
PREPARE TO ATTACK LOCAL THUGS, JERKS AND GOB'S
COMMENCE MAKING SMOKE
STAND BY FOR FIRING INSTRUCTIONS..."
STEP THREE:
Once the crew is in place sit and wait hell!
From the upstairs room comes the word
"GUN CREW THIS IS COMBAT
SIGHT BERING ON THE THUGS
THREE FOUR TWO
THAT CHECKS WITH OUR FIRE CONTROL RADAR
GUN SHOT BEARING TWO NINE ONE AND THREE THREE NINE
GUN CREW THIS IS COMBAT
STAND BY TO OPEN FIRE
STAND BY
STAND BY
STAND BY
MARK ONE FOUR OH DOUBLE OH
FIRE!"
Problem solved
OCKLAWAHA
I agree!
How about this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBjGyt0Ga9Q&feature=fvw
I love howitzers, they are so much fun to shoot and so satisfying.
Yeah but the Ammo's a little pricey
Not when it is provided by the military lol
Lolllll.
I knew it,I knew it,I knew it all along.
http://www.kcra.com/video/22179401/index.html
Now that's a crazy tradition! Welcome the Christ child with gunfire.
But, Boz, at least this time they were shooting into the air! LOL!