Bullets Strike Homes in Tucson on New Year's Eve

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A Night of Fear and Fireworks in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. – For many, New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, fireworks, and making resolutions for the future. But for residents of the Rincon West RV Resort in southwest Tucson, the night brought an unexpected and dangerous twist.

According to reports, three homes in the community were damaged by bullet holes after what locals describe as celebratory gunfire. The incidents occurred just hours after midnight, leaving residents shaken and questioning their safety.

Lorraine Scheirer, one of the affected residents, shared her harrowing experience. She said she was seconds away from being hit by a stray bullet that entered her carport moments after she had left the area.

“It was very, very scary because it was literally within seconds,” Scheirer said. “I was scared to death. I went inside, and I was trying to figure out where I could go. Where can I go here? Because it was continuing, and it went all night long.”

Scheirer wasn’t alone in her fear. Alan Hayes, another resident of the Rincon West community, also experienced a close call. He described how a bullet struck his carport shortly after he hosted a New Year’s Eve dinner for friends.

“A little scared, you know, a little nervous, and, you know, quite frankly, grateful, because had it been an hour earlier, people would have been leaning across [the table],” Hayes said.

A third house in the area had damage right below a window, just inches from where someone was sitting. Hayes showed 13 News other houses with bullet holes from previous New Year’s celebrations, but he noted that this year was different.

“We’ve been here 10 years. This did seem like there was more than the past. It seemed like there’s a lot more gunfire,” Hayes said.

Despite the alarming incidents, responding to such calls on New Year’s Eve can be challenging. Scheirer tried calling 911, but was directed to a non-emergency number.

The Tucson Police Department (TPD) confirmed that shots fired calls where no injuries occur or no one is seen shooting are typically routed to the non-emergency line. However, they did say they received a report from the complex and were able to connect with one of the residents, Alan Hayes.

“There are so many other things as drunk drivers and things like that, going on that they need to respond to. So, I was, quite honestly, I was surprised that police actually responded,” Hayes said.

On a night when resources are stretched thin, one person’s fun can become another’s nightmare. Scheirer emphasized the importance of responsible behavior.

“People shouldn’t have to be scared in their homes like that,” she said.

Residents are now sending a clear message for future holidays: avoid shooting guns in the air. Hayes stressed the importance of basic firearm safety.

“You always know where the round is going to go,” he said.

The TPD has reiterated that celebratory gunfire is not only dangerous but also a felony. They encourage residents to report such incidents, especially during holidays like New Year’s Eve.

For those who witnessed the events, the message is clear: the consequences of reckless behavior can be devastating. As the community works to recover from the trauma, they hope this incident serves as a wake-up call for others.