3-year-old and Two Deputies are Wounded in Unintentional Shootings

A 3-year-old in Richmond, Virginia, was hospitalized with a gunshot wound that is not life-threatening. Few details reported, but police believe this was an accidental shooting and are currently not looking for suspects, though they will continue to investigate.

At an outdoor gun range in Lemoore, California, a deputy with the sheriff’s office accidentally discharged their firearm, injuring two other deputies. Both victims were treated and released. As described by the department in a news release, one officer was having trouble dismantling their firearm for cleaning. While attempting to clear the jam, the firearm was pointed down at a table when it unintentionally fired. The round went through the wood table, striking the concrete floor, sending shrapnel into the other two deputies’ legs. A contributing factor might be that the deputies carry Glock handguns that require the trigger to be pulled to dismantle the guns for cleaning. The deputy who injured the other officers has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Sources:

Elizabeth Holmes, “3-year-old Child Shot in Richmond,” wtkr.com (November 16, 2023).

Stephen Hawkins, “Deputy on Administrative Leave after Accidental Shooting Wounds 2 Others in Lemoore,” kmph.com (November 17, 2023).