Police Accidents

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Ohio Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Virginia December 7, 2024December 12, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024

One Person Dead, Three Wounded, in Unintentional Shootings Today In Blackstone, Virginia, a four-year-old boy was seriously injured after he shot himself with a 9mm handgun. He was airlifted to the hospital for treatment. Officials are investigating the incident, and so far no charges have been filed. In Rockwood, Pennsylvania, police have concluded that Richard Cane, age …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Delaware Illinois Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Ongoing Investigation October 3, 2024October 8, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2024

Two People Shot During Police Stop, and Toddler Fires Unsecured Gun Injuring One An investigatory police stop in Chicago, Illinois, resulted in a police officer and 16-year-old Marcus Gracey sustaining gunshot wounds from an unintentional discharge of a gun in Gracey’s possession. Officers noticed a gun in Gracey’s waistband while he was walking along a …

Adult Injury Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Ongoing Investigation Oregon September 25, 2024September 30, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Police Officer Injured by Stray Bullet In Portland, Oregon, a stray bullet from the gunfire exchanged between people in moving vehicles, struck a police officer in the heel of his boot causing minor injury. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. No one has been arrested, but there is an ongoing investigation. Source: “Police: …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Kentucky Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Safe Storage in Cars Tennessee Washington, DC September 21, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Accidental Shootings Injure Four People, Including Two Children In a county park in Hixson, Tennessee, a five-year-old boy left alone in the family car found an unsecured, loaded gun there that fired while he was playing with it. A round grazed his leg causing a non-life-threatening injury. No charges have been filed at this time, but the …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Alabama Alcohol and Guns Florida Pennsylvania Virginia September 19, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Gun Accidents Involving Law Enforcement Officers; One Woman Killed, Four Other People Injured In Ocala, Florida, a county deputy, Leslie Boileau, killed his girlfriend when he accidentally shot her in the head while they were cleaning guns. According to Boileau, he and his girlfriend both drank three margaritas at dinner. When they came home, they decided that …

Adult Injury Michigan Ongoing Investigation September 15, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

State Police Officer Injured When Gun in Purse Fires In a Kalamazoo, Michigan Costco, the gun in the purse of an off-duty, state police officer, unintentionally fired striking her in the hand. Another person hurt their ankle during the incident, and a third person fainted, but it is unclear if either of them had been …

Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Georgia Indiana Iowa Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Ongoing Investigation September 11, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

Four-year-old Boy Killed, Two Other People Wounded, in Accidental Shootings In Oskaloosa, Iowa, a four-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene from an accidental discharge. Few details have been reported in this ongoing investigation. A 27-year-old man was injured in an unintentional shooting in an apartment In Lafayette, Indiana. The gunshot wound between his neck and shoulder …

Adult Injury New Jersey Ongoing Investigation September 10, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

Police Officer Shoots Self During Firearms Training A firearms instructor with a local police department was injured by an accidental discharge while attending a week-long rifle course at a shooting range in Paterson, New Jersey. The officer shot himself in the leg during a drill, and was taken to the hospital in serious, but stable …

Adult Death Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Ongoing Investigation Washington, DC August 28, 2024September 18, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024

Police Officer Accidentally Shot and Killed Trying to Retrieve Gun A 25 year veteran of the Washington, D.C. police force, Wayne David, age 51, died when a gun he was trying to retrieve from a storm drain unintentionally discharged. He was airlifted to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police had seen a man leaving …

Adult Injury Ohio July 19, 2024July 24, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2024

Off-duty Deputy Recovering After Accidental Shooting An off-duty deputy was injured in an accidental shooting in a Forest, Ohio residence. The deputy is expected to make a full recovery at the hospital. Few details have been reported, but the sheriff said the shooting was not work related. Source: “Accidental Shooting Occurs in Forest,” wktn.com (July 19, …

Adult Injury New York Ongoing Investigation June 20, 2024June 24, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

Officer Injured in Accidental Shooting In Ogdensburg, New York, a police officer is in stable condition at the hospital after being accidentally shot by a fellow officer during a shift change. The officer who fired the gun, and six other officers who witnessed the shooting, have been placed on administrative leave. Per protocol, the witnesses …

Adult Death Ohio Ongoing Investigation April 9, 2024April 12, 2024 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024

Corrections Officer Killed in Training Accident On the firing range at the prison training facility in Orient, Ohio, Lt. Rodney Osborne was killed after being accidentally shot in the chest during training. Details about the incident have not been reported, and the ongoing investigation will be carried out by the state highway patrol that has …

Hawaii No injuries Ongoing Investigation April 4, 2024April 8, 2024 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024

Police Chief Faces Discipline for Leaving Gun In Restroom For The Second Time Todd Raybuck, the Kaua’i, Hawaii police chief, is being investigated after a complaint was filed today saying that he left his duty weapon inside a police department restroom. The gun was a loaded Glock with a round in the chamber. The disciplinary …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Florida No injuries South Carolina April 3, 2024April 7, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024

Police Officer’s 4-year-old Son Shoots Himself with Father’s Duty Weapon The Columbia, South Carolina police department placed officer James Peter Tidot on investigatory suspension after an incident in which Tidot’s 4-year-old son shot himself in the head at a family member’s home in North Miami Beach, Florida. The investigation involves an “improperly secured and loaded …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Georgia Louisiana Tennessee Texas April 2, 2024April 6, 2024 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024

Three Juveniles and Police Chief Injured in Separate Unintentional Shootings In Savannah, Georgia, a 9-year-old boy accidentally shot himself. Few details have been reported, but police say the boy was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A juvenile in Nashville, Tennessee, was accidentally shot through the arm and taken to the hospital for treatment. …

Adult Injury California Illinois No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Washington February 9, 2024February 14, 2024 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Three Injured in Accidental Shootings In Cahokia Heights, Illinois, after crashing his car in a police pursuit, a man pulled out a gun while trying to flee and accidentally shot himself. State police will investigate the incident. A person was accidentally shot in the neck in an apartment in Seattle, Washington. Police found multiple people …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Florida Kentucky Ongoing Investigation January 31, 2024February 4, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

Reserve Deputy Dies, and Two Other People are Injured in Gun Accidents Today Marion “Scott” Fawbush, 60, a reserve deputy with the sheriff’s office in Louisville, Kentucky, died after shooting himself in the leg. Fawbush was in his car after getting off from work when the incident occurred. The accidental discharge struck an artery. Police …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation Oregon Rhode Island January 22, 2024January 26, 2024 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

Two People are Accidentally Shot in Separate Incidents In Coos Bay, Oregon, three men and three dogs were involved in a dispute that resulted in a dog and a man sustaining gunshot wounds. Robert Pierce, 57, shot at one of the dogs that was attacking him, hitting the dog and one of the men. The …

Adult Injury California New York Ongoing Investigation December 27, 2023January 2, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023

Self-Inflicted, Accidental Shootings Injure Two Men An investigation is under way after a police officer in Bronx, New York, accidentally shot himself in a public housing project. He was patrolling one of the buildings when his gun fired into his leg. He is expected to recover. A man tried to run from police in San …

Adult Injury New York North Carolina Ongoing Investigation October 18, 2023October 22, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2023

Three People Injured in Gun Accidents During a struggle for a gun in a home in Hope Mills, North Carolina, two people were unintentionally shot. Police responded to a call of a reported break-in and found the resident with a gunshot wound. The resident said a person with a handgun broke into the home, and …

Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana New York No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas August 30, 2023September 4, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2023

Five-year-old Boy Kills Himself with Unsecured Gun and Two Law Enforcement Officers Unintentionally Shoot Themselves A five-year-old boy found an unsecured gun and unintentionally shot and killed himself in Gary, Indiana. A 32-year-old man was to check in on a 17-year-old girl and the boy while adults were away. He arrived at the home after …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Kentucky Nevada North Carolina Ohio Ongoing Investigation August 24, 2023August 28, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

One Dead, Three Injured in Four Unintentional Shootings Kelsey Moore died from an accidental shooting in a vehicle in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Few details have been reported but the alleged shooter is in custody as the investigation continues. A two-year-old was napping in bed with his mother in Burlington, North Carolina. While she was sleeping, he …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Florida New York Ongoing Investigation August 22, 2023August 26, 2023 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023

Three-year-old Struck by Stray Bullet, and Off-Duty Detective Accidentally Shoots Herself In Ridge, New York, three-year-old Lovely Toney was struck by a stray bullet when, according to police, a murder suspect opened fire on detectives. Police had come to an apartment looking for the suspect Gary Jones, and when Jones fired at detectives, three rounds …

Adult Injury Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Kentucky North Carolina Ohio Ongoing Investigation Texas Washington, DC July 25, 2023July 28, 2023 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023

Six Unintentional Shootings Today Malachi Hagan Moses, a 12-year-old from Corbin, Kentucky died after a weapon discharged in the bedroom of a residence, striking him in the stomach. An autopsy was conducted and there is an ongoing investigation into the middle schooler’s death. An 8-year-old girl in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in critical condition after …

Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Indiana Juvenile Arrested No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia July 24, 2023July 27, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023

Five Unintentional Shootings: Three Involving Teens, Two Involving Security Personnel; One Dead, Four Injured Yoel Lopez, 21, was unintentionally shot and killed by 18-year-old Josue Cruz in Nashville, Tennessee. Lopez was in a parked car with his cousin and Cruz, when an AR-style pistol that Cruz was playing with, went off, striking Lopez. Cruz fled …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Hawaii Idaho Ohio Ongoing Investigation July 12, 2023July 16, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2023

Two Dead and One Wounded in Shooting Accidents Maden Thapa, a 30-year-old Columbus, Ohio man, was unintentionally killed in his truck by another man who was handling a gun. According to the report, 25-year-old Lok Nath Acharya, had been alerted to the presence of the gun in a bathroom at a local newsstand. He removed …

Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Michigan Mississippi No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation June 11, 2023June 17, 2023 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2023

Police Officer’s 2-year-old Child and Pregnant Woman Killed in Unintentional Shootings In Howell, Michigan, the 2-year-old child of veteran police officer David Lacey, shot and killed themself with a loaded, unsecured gun that they found in their home. So far, no charges have been filed and police call the incident a personal family matter. However, …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Mississippi No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas June 8, 2023June 12, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023

Six-year-old Shoots Sister While Looking for Candy; Deputy’s Rifle Discharges While Executing a Warrant In Marion County, Mississippi, a 3-year-old was unintentionally shot in the head by her 6-year-old brother. During the investigation, the sheriff’s office learned that the boy came across a loaded firearm while looking for candy in their grandmother’s bedroom. The victim …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Louisiana Ohio Ongoing Investigation Texas May 4, 2023May 7, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023

Three More Unintended Gun Injuries In Shreveport, Louisiana, a 6-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital after being hit by a stray bullet. Her condition is described as “life-threatening.” She was playing in her front yard when the occupants of two vehicles began shooting at each other as they traveled down her street. Describing it …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Kentucky Ongoing Investigation Tennessee Virginia March 10, 2023March 14, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023

Three Gun Accidents, Including a Fatal Shooting While Middle Schoolers Were Filming a Video with Guns as Props A 13-year-old seventh grader in Richmond, Virginia was killed inside a local home while filming a video with friends. The children were using guns as props to film the video when one went off. Local authorities are …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Louisiana Massachusetts Missouri No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina January 28, 2023February 2, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023

Six Reported Unintended Shootings Today, Including the Death of an Innocent Bystander Hundreds of people fled a mall in Holyoke, Massachusetts after a fatal shooting inside a nail salon. Kenneth Santana-Rodriguez, who claimed to be firing in self-defense after being confronted by a former boyfriend of his girlfriend, fired two rounds, one of which struck …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Missouri Montana New Jersey No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation January 17, 2023January 22, 2023 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023

3-Year-Old Shot by Sibling After Finding Loaded Gun in a Drawer Two St. Louis, Missouri siblings found a loaded handgun in a dresser drawer in their home. One of the children shot the other, age 3. Police took the injured child to the hospital, where he is reported to be in serious condition. Markeith Mayo, …

Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Mississippi Missouri No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania December 27, 2022December 31, 2022 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022

A child in Springfield, Missouri died today in an unintentional shooting, but few details have been reported, including the circumstances of the accident. Not even the child’s age is available. A neighbor said, ”[m]y kids play with their kids, and I’m just glad my kids weren’t over there because an accident could happen to anybody.” …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) North Carolina December 12, 2022December 16, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022

A Zebulon, North Carolina police officer shot himself Monday night during an attempt to arrest a suspect in Wake County. Zebulon Police say that Officer Colby James responded to a suspicious car at Zebulon Community Park. The suspect, 51-year-old Deserie Byrum, was subject to an outstanding county warrant. When James tried to arrest her, Byrum …

Adult Injury Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Wisconsin December 7, 2022December 11, 2022 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2022

One of the police officers conducting a “welfare check” on a Hobart, Wisconsin resident, accidentally shot himself in the hip while attempting to subdue the man. The incident occurred alongside a highway and closed down all eastbound lanes. The man had pulled over on the side of the road where the incident occurred. The officer’s …

Adult Death Florida Ongoing Investigation December 3, 2022December 7, 2022 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2022

In a Brevard County, Florida incident that is being reported as an accidental shooting, one sheriff’s deputy shot and killed another while the two were playing the video game Call of Duty. According to the report, Deputy Andrew Lawson, 22, pulled the trigger twice on a Glock pistol while aiming it at his roommate, Austin …

Adult Death Georgia No Charges Filed November 8, 2022November 11, 2022 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

Local authorities in Haralson County, Georgia announced that detention officer Daniel Salazar was killed by an accidental shooting in his home. The details of the accident were not released. “Daniel was a good officer,” the Sheriff said. “He did his job well. He would jump in and help when needed and always had a smile. …

Adult Death California No Charges Filed October 27, 2022October 31, 2022 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

Lorenzo Morgan, a Colton, California police officer, accidentally shot and killed himself in a vehicle while off duty, the sheriff’s department announced. The specific circumstances of the incident have not been reported. “No foul play is suspected in the shooting and it is believed this was a tragic accident,” the Sheriff’s Department statement said. Morgan …

Adult Injury Florida Minnesota No Charges Filed October 3, 2022October 6, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022

Two gun accidents involving animals occurred today. In West Palm Beach, Florida a police officer attempting to fire at an attacking pit bull accidentally shot and injured a fellow officer. Apparently, the round fired passed through the dog and into the officer that was being attacked. And in Kenyon, Minnesota, officers reported that a drunk …

Adult Injury Michigan No Charges Filed September 18, 2022September 21, 2022 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022

In Detroit, Michigan, a police officer firing at a dog missed the dog but struck his partner in the leg. The injured officer was taken to the hospital where he is in stable condition. Source: “Detroit Police Officer Hurt in Accidental Shooting by Partner,” Fox 7 (September 18, 2022).

Adult Injury Georgia No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Tennessee Vermont Wisconsin September 10, 2022October 2, 2022 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2022

An Athens, Georgia woman was seriously injured when she was unintentionally shot while lying on a couch in her apartment. According to police, multiple rounds were fired in a domestic violence incident in a neighboring unit. One of the rounds apparently passed through an apartment wall and struck the woman in the back. A Vermont …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation Texas September 8, 2022September 14, 2022 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Police are investigating an incident in which an off-duty Harris County, Texas sheriff’s deputy accidentally shot himself in the chest in his home. No details of the incident have been reported and the deputy’s name has not been released. Source: “Off-duty HCSO Deputy Accidentally Shoots Himself in the Chest at Magnolia Home, Officials Say,” khou.com …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania August 29, 2022September 2, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2022

A Philadephia, Pennsylvania FBI agent suffered minor injuries when his gun discharged on the loading dock of the local federal building. In the statement, the FBI said, “The FBI takes all shooting incidents involving our agents or tasks force members seriously. In accordance with Bureau police, the shooting incident is under investigation by an FBI …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) No Charges Filed Texas Washington July 29, 2022August 1, 2022 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

In an episode apparently involving celebratory gunfire during fireworks, an 18-year old was struck by a falling round in a Seattle, Washington park. The teen’s injuries were not considered life-threatening. A Brownsville, Texas police officer shot himself in the foot during a “SWAT competition”. The competition involved a hostage rescue, sniper spotter and a team …

Adult Injury Ohio April 26, 2022April 29, 2022 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

In Piqua, Ohio, three police officers returning from the range after qualifying with their service weapons were struck by shrapnel when a gun discharged while it was being cleaned. All three officers were taken to the hospital. The officer who was cleaning their gun apparently did not know the gun was loaded. According to the …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Kentucky Michigan Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania South Carolina Wisconsin April 24, 2022April 27, 2022 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022

There were gun accidents across the country today resulting in at least six death or injuries: A person taking part in a gun training for Taylor, Michigan auxiliary police officers was shot in the abdomen and taken to the hospital. He was accidentally shot by another person participating in the training. “The volunteers with Taylor’s …

Adult Death California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Massachusetts Tennessee Texas Virginia April 6, 2022April 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022

Gun accidents occurred all over the country today. In Henrico, Virginia, a 7-year old found his father’s loaded gun and shot himself. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. The boy’s father, Landin Lewis, Sr., was arrested and charged with allowing his son to access the gun. In Somerville, Massachusetts, a police officer shot himself while …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Texas December 27, 2021December 31, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2021

A Jacksonville, North Carolina police officer accidentally shot his 15-year old son in the head. The injury is considered life-threatening. Reported details are scarce other than a statement that preliminary indicators suggest that the shooting was accidental. There is an ongoing investigation. Tiffani Tant, age 18 of Gladewater, Texas was accidentally shot and killed by …

Adult Injury Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) New Hampshire New Jersey Ongoing Investigation November 18, 2021November 20, 2021 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

For the second day in a row, a law enforcement officer was shot in a training accident. A correction officer requalifying on her weapon at a training facility in Cedar Grove, New Jersey was reportedly struck in the buttocks when her weapon misfired. Her name was not released and she is expected to be OK. …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Massachusetts Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania November 17, 2021November 19, 2021 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a two-year old boy found a gun next to a bed in his home and shot himself in the stomach. The bullet exited through the boy’s back. The boy’s parents drove him to hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. “Yet another one of our precious children has suffered a critical …

Adult Injury Maryland No Charges Filed November 10, 2021November 13, 2021 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021

An off-duty Upper Marlboro, Maryland police officer accidentally shot herself while reporting to a purported crime scene. Following the accident, she was taken to the hospital for surgery and is now in stable condition. According to the report, she responded to an argument at a local barbershop and believed there was a robbery in progress. …

Adult Injury Illinois Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) No Charges Filed October 20, 2021October 22, 2021 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

A Chicago, Illinois police officer, engaged in a struggle with an unarmed suspect, accidentally fired his service weapon and struck two other officers. One was shot in the arm and the other in the shoulder. Both officers are reported to be in good condition. A gun was later found in the suspect’s car. Source: Charlie …

Adult Injury Kentucky No Charges Filed September 8, 2021September 10, 2021 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

A Louisville, Kentucky police officer who was cleaning his service weapon in the property room at the station accidentally shot himself in the stomach. He is recovering at the hospital according to the report. Query whether the officer’s gun was a Glock or a similar pistol that requires a trigger pull as part of the …

Adult Death Florida No Charges Filed August 28, 2021August 30, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

Whitney Cloud, a Tallahassee, Florida corrections trainee was shot and killed in a gun accident during firearms training. She had been with the Department of Corrections since June. “We are absolutely devastated by the loss of Officer Whitney Cloud,” said a corrections official . “As a newly hired officer trainee, Officer Cloud vowed to make …

Adult Injury Massachusetts No Charges Filed July 20, 2021July 24, 2021 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021

In Westport, Massachusetts, an off-duty police officer shot himself in the thigh with a .40 caliber round while training with his gun at a local firing range. According to the report, the incident occurred while he was “putting in or taking his gun out of the holster.” The officer’s injury was described as “minor” but …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) New York No Charges Filed Ohio Ongoing Investigation June 27, 2021June 29, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021

In Manhattan, New York, a newly commissioned off-duty New Jersey trooper accidentally fired a round on a Penn Station train platform while adjusting his holster. He shot himself once in the leg and was treated at the hospital. No word about whether the gun had a manual safety and whether it was deployed. There …

Adult Injury North Carolina Ongoing Investigation June 23, 2021June 25, 2021 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021

In Surry County, North Carolina, two Sheriff’s deputies were injured due to “accidental discharge of a firearm” during a training exercise at a local firing range. Both deputies were treated for minor injuries and the Sheriff’s department has opened an internal investigation. Source: Paul Choate, “2 Surry County Deputies Injured by ‘Accidental Discharge of a …

Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed May 17, 2021May 19, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021

At the home of a Helena, Alabama police officer, a three-year old child found a loaded gun and shot and killed a six-year old sibling. The officer was not home at the time of the incident. “This was a truly tragic morning for Shelby County. Our agency grieves with the family of this child. I …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Indiana Ongoing Investigation February 12, 2021February 15, 2021 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, an Indiana State trooper called in a report of a gun accident at his own home. According to the report, the trooper, who was on duty at the time, was notified of an accident involving a 6-year old child. He reported it to authorities and responded personally. The trooper took the …

Adult Injury New York Ongoing Investigation October 21, 2020October 23, 2020 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

In Batavia, New York, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were qualifying at the local shooting range when one person was accidentally shot in the leg. The local Sheriff’s department is investigating. Source: Scott Desmit, “Person Shot in Leg at Emergency Training Center,” The Daily News (October 22, 2020).

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) New York No Charges Filed Ohio September 12, 2020September 14, 2020 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

Twice today, a gun accidentally discharged in public, injuring four people. In both cases, a loaded gun was discharged inside a place of business while being carried by its owner inside his pants pocket. In Camden, New York, at the Grape and Grog restaurant, a police deputy accidentally discharged one round from his gun while …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Kansas Ongoing Investigation August 26, 2020August 28, 2020 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020

Two people were injured today when guns were accidentally discharged. In each incident the victim was not in the room where the gun was fired. At John Wayne airport in Orange County, California, a sheriff’s deputy accidentally fired his service weapon at 7 AM this morning. The round penetrated a wall and hit an airport …

Adult Death Iowa No Charges Filed August 11, 2020August 14, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2020

In Ottumwa, Iowa, Brian Rainey, an off-duty deputy sheriff for the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office was shot and killed in a gun accident. Authorities say he was shot in the torso. According to the Ottumwa police, the shooting was accidental. They have not said who fired the gun that killed Rainey. Other details of the …

Adult Injury California Ongoing Investigation Uncategorized August 5, 2020August 7, 2020 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

For the second time this week, a Los Angeles County police officer accidentally shot and injured another officer while responding to a problem involving the mental health of a resident. In this incident, the call involved a suicidal man armed with a pair of scissors. The responding officers apparently drew guns to fend off a …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Hawaii Ongoing Investigation Tennessee July 28, 2020September 9, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

Two more children died this week in gun accidents that might have been prevented by safe storage laws. Also today, a popular former North Carolina law enforcement officer died while working in Hawaii when a rifle accidentally fired inside a police station. In Memphis, Tennessee, a 14-year old girl died when a boy was handing her …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation Texas May 18, 2020May 29, 2020 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020

Police accidents are sometimes reported with a remarkable lack of agency. Here is the entire substance of the report: “An officer is hospitalized after he shot himself in the leg while he was off-duty in west Houston, according to the Houston Police Department. Authorities say his gun went off, and the officer was shot in …

Adult Injury Indiana No Charges Filed April 15, 2020April 18, 2020 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2020

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 …

Adult Injury Michigan No Charges Filed March 6, 2020March 8, 2020 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020

In another accident involving a police officer, this time in Detroit Michigan, an officer shot herself at police headquarters. She was taken to the hospital where she was listed in serious condition. Compared to most American gun owners, police officers undergo significant firearm safety training. Even with training, accidents frequently occur. Police, for their own …

Adult Injury No Charges Filed Texas February 19, 2020March 9, 2020 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

In Bryan, Texas, two police officers were injured when a gun “accidentally went off” at the police station. Both officers were taken to the hospital, treated and released. A release issued by the Bryan police department says that an administrative review of policies, procedures, and training will take place to determine what can be done …

Adult Injury Arkansas No Charges Filed February 11, 2020March 3, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020

The Police Chief in Magnolia, Arkansas, Todd Dew, was accidentally shot by a fellow officer while attempting to serve a warrant on a man who had violated the terms of his probation. According to a statement, the officers were entering a home when the gun went off and struck the Chief in the back. Chief …

Adult Injury Florida No Charges Filed December 20, 2019February 16, 2020 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019

A Davie, Florida police officer shot himself in the hand while attempting to shoot at a dog that was charging at him. The dog was grazed by the bullet and is said to be OK. Source: “Davie Officer Shoots Himself While Attempting to Shoot Charging Dog,” 7 News Miami (December 20, 2019).

Child Injury (18 and Under) Georgia No Charges Filed December 17, 2019February 16, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019

A 15-year old Jasper, Georgia boy was struck by shrapnel at a Walmart when Pickens County Sheriff Donnie Craig’s pistol accidentally discharged during a “Shop with the Sheriff” event at the store. The boy’s injuries were minor. According to the Sheriff’s office, the gun was in the sheriff’s waistband went it went off. The bullet …

Georgia No Charges Filed No injuries December 6, 2019February 16, 2020 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019

A Waycross, Georgia police officer was suspended for 84 hours after he accidentally discharged his gun inside his apartment. The fired round passed through an apartment wall into the living room of his next door neighbor and then through two additional walls in that apartment. Two children were playing in the living room at the …

Adult Injury Michigan Ongoing Investigation December 5, 2019February 16, 2020 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

In Detroit Michigan, a 20-year old woman was seriously injured when she was accidentally shot by an off-duty police officer while the two were sitting together in a car. According to a preliminary investigation, the officer was moving her weapon when it discharged, striking the other woman. The officer told investigators that the gun accidentally …