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Celebratory gunfire rips through Douglasville home on New Year’s Eve

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Published  January 2, 2025 9:28pm EST
Douglasville
FOX 5 Atlanta

Homes struck by celebratory gunfire

Some metro area residents have sounded the alarm after they were the victims of celebratory gunfire. Several families report their homes were struck by bullets on New Year’s Eve.

The Brief

    • Jayla Johnson shared her family's frightening experience on social media after a stray bullet penetrated her daughter's bedroom wall on New Year's Day.
    • Sade Norton experienced a similar incident when a stray bullet pierced her roof and bedroom ceiling, prompting her family to seek shelter in the garage.
    • Georgia law prohibits firing a gun within 50 feet of a public road, on private property without permission, or while under the influence, yet celebratory gunfire remains a holiday issue.
    • Courtni Gray discovered a bullet had pierced her bathroom wall and landed in her bedroom as her family slept, following a night filled with the sound of fireworks.

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - Jayla Johnson took to social media to share her family's close call, and to warn others of the dangers of celebratory gunfire, after a stray bullet ripped through her daughter's bedroom wall on New Year's Day.

South Fulton resident Sade Norton saw that post and shared a similar story. A stray bullet pierced her roof and bedroom ceiling that same morning.

SEE ALSO: Georgia police warn against New Year’s Eve celebratory gunfire

Fearing for their safety, the family took shelter in the garage for about an hour, then called the police.

Under Georgia law, it's illegal to fire a gun within 50 feet of a public road or highway, on private property without the owner's permission, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Despite warnings from law enforcement, the dangerous tradition spikes during the holidays.

Douglasville resident Courtni Gray said the sound of fireworks filled the air as the clock struck midnight on New Year's. She woke the next morning to find a bullet had pierced her bathroom wall, landing in her bedroom as her family slept.

SEE ALSO: Georgia woman hit by apparent New Year's Eve celebratory gunfire

The families said they are sharing their stories in hopes people will think twice before firing guns in the air.

The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Deidra Dukes.

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