In Edinburgh, Indiana, a police officer who was cleaning a personal weapon accidentally shot his wife in the leg. According to investigators, he did not know that there was a round in the chamber.   The woman is in stable condition at a hospital in Indianapolis.

Officers are trained to be careful when cleaning their weapons and ensure the gun is not loaded, according to a police Commander. “Unfortunately, it happens. We are trained to check the weapon. Apparently he must have missed that,” he said.

It is unclear why police departments and police officers do not insist on loaded chambers indicators, given their frequent handling of guns, in order to help them avoid gun accidents. 

No charges are pending, but the officer will be required to complete additional training.

Source:

“Edinburgh Officer Injures Wife in Shooting,” The Republic (April 16, 2020).