Nine arrested for ‘celebratory shooting’ on New Year’s Eve (PHOTOS)

Nine men were taken into custody for eight incidents of firing guns into the air on New Year’s Eve.

The arrests came days after the District Attorney’s office and police department held a press conference announcing that they would be cracking down on the practice this year after receiving 100 more reports than usual of shots fired between 11 p.m. Dec. 30, 2010 and 3 a.m. Jan. 1, 2012.

The suspects are:

Rickadmus Abrokwa, 36, of the 2500 block of North 32nd Street who was allegedly firing a handgun into the air in front of his residence, then pointed the gun at Highway Patrol Officers shortly after midnight. He is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act and related offenses.

Jamal Dutton, 24, of the 1200 block of Fairmount Avenue, was arrested at his home for allegedly firing a shotgun out his window at 12:05 a.m. and is charged with Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, reckless endangerment and related offenses.

Anthony Walker, 27, of the 200 block of West Champlost Street, was allegedly seen by police shortly after midnight on the 2300 block of West Indiana Avenue firing a gun in the air while driving a 2007 Dodge Charger. He is charged with Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, reckless endangerment and related offenses.

William Jenkins, 21, of the 2700 block of West Silver Street and Tony Wallace, 34, of the 2700 block of Seltzer Street were allegedly seen by police firing handguns into the air around 12:16 a.m. on the 2700 block of West Seltzer Street. They are charged with Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, recklessly endangerment and related offenses.

Robert Green, 25, of the 4600 block of Tolbut Street was allegedly seen by police leaving a home on the 500 block of East Cornwall Street and firing a black handgun into the air. He is charged with Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, reckless endangerment and related offenses.

Nariman Akhmerov, 38, of the 10000 block of Bridle Street allegedly stuck his arm out his second floor apartment window and fired a handgun into the air shortly before 2 a.m. He is charged with Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, reckless endangerment and related offenses.

Steven Guilford, 37, of the 4900 block of Hoopes Street was allegedly seen by police on the 400 block of Ramsey Street firing a handgun into the air around 2:45 a.m. He is charged with Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, reckless endangerment and related offenses.

Kevin Ward, 57, of the 500 block of Redfield Street, was arrested when officers responding to reports of shots fired heard loud gunshots that sounded like they were coming from inside a residence. After gaining access to the home, they met Ward, who allegedly stated, “I was shooting the tree, I was celebrating. I do this every year.” Ward is charged with Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, reckless endangerment and related offenses.