LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Little Rock Police Department hopes a new campaign, Operation Safe 4th, will reduce incidents involving random gunfire.
"I had a bullet fire and lodge in the roof of my house," said Luke Skrable, a southwest little Rock resident.
Skrable said July 4, 2210 he sat in his home when he heard the "thump" sound.
"I consider myself to be extremely lucky," said Skrable.
Lt. Terry Hastings with Little Rock Police Department said many fire their weapons into the air as they celebrate the holiday. He said the act can be deadly and have repercussions.
"That slug is going to come down somewhere," said Lt. Hastings.
UALR Physics Professor Dr. Tony Hall said a case in California proves the act can be deadly.
"It hit them in the head. It lodged in their brain and they eventually died," said Dr. Hall.
He said due to various factors it is nearly impossible for a person to shoot a weapon straight toward the sky.
"When you shoot a bullet at a slight angle, still it goes up high and comes back down. But it keeps that trajectory and it doesn't lose very much speed because the bullet stays nose first and spinning," said Dr. Hall.
He said a person standing a mile away could die from a bullet shot at an angle into the air.
Lt. Hastings said that is exactly what has happened in many case in Little Rock.
"Over the past few years we've had some instances where these bullets have caused damage," said Lt. Hastings.
Lt. Hastings said many think they will not be caught.
"The officer may be closer than you think he is," said Lt. Hastings.