Celebratory gunfire a dangerous trend on New Years

By: Blake Parker

Posted: Dec 31, 2025 9:41 PM EST

NOW: Celebratory gunfire a dangerous trend on New Years

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As fireworks fly through the sky while people celebrate the new year, Saint Joseph County Surveyor, Derek Dieter, said there are often bullets in the mix in the Michiana area.

As those shots ring out, Dieter’s New Years tradition is sitting in the Northwest side of South Bend and counting how many rounds he hears, often sharing videos pointing out which sounds are fireworks and which are gunshots.

“Over all the years I’ve still never understood why people are so enamored of getting outside and firing a weapon into the air or into the ground or wherever they’re firing it. Over the years I’ve had over 500 shots in five minutes… if it keeps snowing, I don’t think that’ll be a deterrent of people who want to do this kind of stuff,” said Dieter.

With 39 years of experience as a policeman and 20 years on SWAT, Dieter has the knowledge to tell the difference between pops. He said there’s been plenty of damage to cars and houses over the years. Thankfully, he’s never heard of someone being critically injured but thinks it’s only a matter of time.

“I think it’s a good thing for the public to know what really happens, there’s a lot of people who live in the suburbs and have no clue of what goes on,” shared Dieter.

The Indiana State Police shared a statement with ABC57 explaining their policies for ‘celebratory’ gunfire:

“The State Police and local agencies respond to all reports of shots fired. First and foremost, our primary response is to ensure the safety of the surrounding area in which it was heard. Depending on the severity (just into the air, into a house, injuries, etc) will depend on the course of action taken. This is an arrestable offense. Indiana Code 35-42-2-2 defines this act as Criminal recklessness. Again, depending on the severity will determine if it’s a misdemeanor or a felony.”

Dieter expects to hear over 300 gunshots as 2025 transitions into 2026, “I would just caution people around midnight until about 12:30 a.m., don’t be outside anywhere.”