Celebratory gunfire hits one woman's home in Henrico

Brendon Mackey was killed by celebratory gunfire on July 4, 2013. (Source: Bryan Mackey)

HENRICO, VA (WWBT) - Henrico Police are investigating dozens of reports of celebratory gunfire on the Fourth of July, including one shot that hit the roof of a home.

No one was hurt, but it's a dangerous, sometimes deadly tradition.

Among the cracks of fireworks Monday night were the booms of gunfire. Dozens of reports came in to police in Henrico and Richmond - some gunshots, others fireworks. 106 calls in Chesterfield were determined to be fireworks.

Police say it can be difficult for the untrained ear to know the difference, but a bullet hole left behind in a Henrico home on the 4400 block of Kings Bishop Road was a sure thing.

"It's pretty disturbing since it's so close," said Clarence Wilson, who lives just across the street. "I think they're irresponsible and don't realize the consequences behind their actions."

Police say the victim reported gunfire around 9:45 p.m., with one round flying through the roof of her home. Officers determined it wasn't intentional; it was celebratory gunfire, shooting illegally into the air.

"I would say stop the foolishness," said Wilson.

It's a stray bullet from celebratory gunfire in Chesterfield on July 4th, 2013 that killed 7-year-old Brendon Mackey while he walked to a fireworks show with his father.

"I thought it was tragic; it was kind of sad. He was so young. I have grandchildren. I would hate for that to happen to anyone's child," said Wilson.

Even after this tragedy, the dangerous tradition persists.

"That's not what weapons are intended for. You're using them in an unsafe manner. They're for protection, some people use it for sport, but use it for what it's intended for, not for celebratory gunfire," said Wilson.

Henrico Police responded to another shooting into a home at 12:40 a.m. July 4 in the 8300 block of Cardova Court, but they say it was not celebratory gunfire and may have been intentional. No injuries were reported and no arrests made in either case.

If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Report an Error or Submit a Tip to NBC12