Hillsborough Police have again warned residents against firing guns into the air after a family found a bullet in their home after New Year’s Day celebrations.

Police posted on Facebook that a .45-caliber bullet was found in a home after the family returned from vacation.

The bullet entered the home “from a downward angle (shot in the air),” authorities posted. “It went through the exterior siding 3/4 particle board, insulation, interior drywall and then made a hole in the interior drywall.” Police said the bullet came to rest near a child’s room.

The message from Hillsborough Police comes after UNC student Kaitlyn Kong was struck by a stray bullet while at the First Night Raleigh celebration to bring in 2019 on Monday night. In a Facebook post, Kong said she underwent surgery on Tuesday and is expected to be in the hospital for roughly one week.

“Hillsborough we are better than this,” police wrote on Facebook, “this is not ok and in the future I hope somebody reading this will make a more responsible decision.”

Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood has also warned against that practice in the past. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted a message on December 30 asking residents to be mindful of the potential impact that sort of action could have.

Related Stories
‹
On Air Today: Mama Dip's New Year's Meal Tradition Returns at Tonya's
Tonya Council of Tonya's Cookies and Cafe is bringing back a Mama Dip's tradition with a New Years Day Feast, which will be available January 1, New Year's Day, at the Cafe on S. Elliot Road in Chapel Hill and also available for takeout and pre-order. Tonya spoke with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell about bringing this tradition back to Chapel Hill.  
Top Stories of 2025: Vulture Controversy in Hillsborough Drives Ordinance Change and Enforcement Questions
A dispute between neighbors over one person attracting vultures to his property developed into a broader discussion in Orange County about wildlife ordinances and enforcement.
Orange County Public Transportation Piloting Fare-Free Model in 2026
Orange County Public Transportation will be piloting a one-year, fare-free model for its fixed-route transit services beginning Jan. 2, 2026. The Orange County Board of Commissioners approved the move at its Dec. 9 meeting. In a press release, the county government hailed the move as “an important step in testing strategies to expand mobility, promote […]
On Air Today: Tonya Council of Tonya's Cookies and Cafe
Tonya Council of Tonya's Cookies and Cafe spoke with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Monday, December 22. They discussed Tonya's Holiday Meal's available for pickup, which can be pre-ordered this week, and they discussed Tonya bringing back a Mama Dip's tradition with a New Years Day Feast, which will be available January 1, New Year's Day, at the Cafe on S. Elliot Road in Chapel Hill.
Orange County Communities to Interrupt Services for December Holidays (2025)
Communities around Orange County will interrupt their normal service schedules during the upcoming winter holidays. Here’s what customers can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Town of Chapel Hill government offices will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 26. Residential trash collection will not be affected. Yard trimmings will not be collected on […]
Top Stories of 2025: Flash Flooding From Tropical Storm Chantal Damages Region, Changes Lives
Perhaps no singular event influenced the Orange County community's experience in 2025 more than Tropical Storm Chantal's floods in July.
Hillsborough: BRIC Settlement, Holiday Events, Solstice Walk
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, December 16, discussing town news and events. He discussed the ongoing saga around BRIC funding for local communities, including Hillsborough. He also talked about some recent holiday events, the upcoming Solstice Lantern Walk, and more.
Orange County Sheriff's Office Details String of Break-Ins, Larceny Charges Against 2 Teenagers
The Orange County Sheriff's Office formally announced criminal charges against a pair of 18-year-olds for a string of break-ins in November.
Orange County Board Makes CITEL Deal Official, Offers Tax Incentives
The Orange County Board of Commissioners passed an agreement with CITEL to move its American manufacturing operations to Hillsborough.
Hillsborough: Chantal Recovery, ICE in the Triangle, and Holiday Events
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell discusses an upcoming town board meeting, ongoing storm recovery, and future holiday events.
›