Zachariah M. Babor, 40, of Chamois, has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon while intoxicated following an incident at his home Thursday in which he is accused of firing both an AR-15 and a 45-caliber handgun from his patio into a tree.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Deputy Jesse Henson, the incident was reported at approximately 11:20 p.m., and when contacting Babor, Henson noted he smelled intoxicants.

Babor told Henson he had consumed a 12-pack of beer and was just shooting a tree.

Both weapons were seized with a round in the chamber, along with 24 spent shell casings from the AR-15 and two from the 45-caliber handgun.

Babor was transported to the Osage County Jail and bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety.

Sheriff Mike Bonham reminds everyone that ringing in the New Year with gunfire could get you handcuffed and placed into the back of a police car.

“Stray bullets could send you to the hospital or end your festivities forever,” he added.

Officers in Central Missouri are warning trigger-happy partiers to put down the guns and celebrate the New Year without gunfire.

“There are many ways to enjoy the New Year but firing random shots in the air should not be among them,” Bonham said. “This dangerous activity could severely injure or kill a person you have never met or someone you know and love.”

“The problem is once the bullet leaves the gun, there is nothing you can do to change its trajectory,” said Sgt. Tim Mc Donald of the Osage County Sheriff’s Office. “If someone carelessly fires a gun in the air, and someone is seriously injured or killed, they could face serious felony charges.”