The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department has just released celebratory gunfire numbers from New Year’s Eve and despite fears that the ongoing pandemic would cause a jump in numbers, calls remained largely the same with the exception of homes hit by gunfire which more than doubled from last year.
From 6pm Dec. 31, 2020 to 6am Jan. 1, 2021 271 sound of shots calls were received citywide. 193of those calls were in Central, East and Metro Patrol divisions, the divisions that largely make up the city’s urban core.
During the same time frame, ShotSpotter received approximately 240 gunfire alerts totaling approximately 1600 rounds fired. As of am Saturday, January 2nd, 12 residences reported having bullets come through a wall, window or roof. Last year 5 residences were reported to have been struck by celebratory gunfire. None of the homes according to Sgt. Jake Becchina was deliberately targeted. “This is quite a bit more than any year I can recall since I started keeping track.” Becchina said.
Broken down by patrol zone, South Patrol and Metro Patrol each recorded 3 homes struck,Shoal Creek and Central Patrol each recorded a single home struck and East Patrol, the city’s largest recorded 4 homes struck, one of which was in the 300 block of N. Study in the Indian Mound neighborhood.
Police officials were concerned about celebratory gunshot numbers spiking on NYE due to the pandemic keeping more people at home. “I was concerned that with fewer people being out and about at bars and events that this may lead to more gunfire,” Becchina said. “It appears that gunfire numbers were similar to last year, or a little less, but more people are reporting their homes struck.”
Last year’s numbers totaled 216 Shot Spotter Activations, 253 Sound of Shots calls in CPD, MPD, EDP only and 316 Sound of Shots calls city wide and 5 homes struck.
While there were two victims of gunshot wounds during the same time period this year, neither of those appear to be related to celebratory gunfire. Injuries in both cases were minor and witnesses were largely uncooperative in each case.
