July 1, 2015
Food, family, friends, and fun are all part of an
Independence Day celebration. As many people are pulling out the grill to
celebrate, some are thinking about shooting fireworks or firearms into the air –
Both are illegal in the city.
“Our wish is for all citizens to have a safe and happy
holiday this Fourth of July and enjoy events around Richmond,” said Chief
Alfred Durham of the Richmond Police Department. “We urge people to leave fireworks
to the experts and remember that random gunfire is against the law.”
In 2014, Brendon’s Law (§ 18.2-56.1) was enacted to
implement harsher penalties for reckless handling of a firearm, including
celebratory gunfire, resulting in serious injury.
The Richmond Police Department would like to remind
citizens of the following:
- Randomly
firing a weapon in the city is illegal.
- Firecrackers,
skyrockets, torpedoes and other fireworks that explode, travel laterally,
rise into the air, or fire projectiles are prohibited.
- Legal
fireworks displays planned at Brown’s Island on Friday, July 3 and Dogwood
Dell on Saturday, July 4. On
Friday, legal parking is available for a fee at 5th and Byrd
streets in the parking deck. Illegal parking will be strictly enforced.
- Do not
impede the flow of traffic to view fireworks if you are in a vehicle. Please
pull over to a safe location.
Road
Closures
The Lee Bridge on Belvidere Street will be closed to
north- and southbound traffic to provide a viewing area for the VA Fireworks on
the James show on the evening of Friday, July 3. Police ask citizens planning
to view fireworks from the bridge to avoid parking on the Lee Bridge or within
the Oregon Hill neighborhood. Residential
traffic only is permitted.
The Manchester Bridge will remain open as an
alternate route for drivers.
No
parking on either bridge.
Specific road closures are listed below.
5
P.M. – Laurel Street & Idlewood Avenue; Belvidere
Street & Holly Street; Laurel Street & Holly Street; Pine Street &
Holly Street; 900 block of Idlewood Avenue at South Cherry Street
7
P.M. – Belvidere
Street and Spring Street
The Department plans to have a strong police
presence this weekend to ensure safe celebrations. To report random gunfire or
illegal fireworks, call the Richmond Police Department’s non-emergency number
at 804-646-5100.
