Man injured in accidental shooting

CENTER — Center Police Chief Dale Meek reported over the weekend that on May 24 an incident occurred involving firearms safety which could have ended tragically. “With Memorial Day upon us and the Fourth of July in the near future, this is a good incident to share with our community,” Meek said.


Meek described the incident as an accidental shooting that took place at the Tierra Nueva apartment complex. No victim or suspect information will be released at this time as the investigation is ongoing.


The incident happened as a subject was putting away his .22 rifle after officers believed he had consumed a few beers. The subject accidently shot one round off which traveled through the wall and struck the neighbor in the arm. The neighbor was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries but this incident, while serious, could have been much worse.


“I believe in the right to own and possess firearms, but this is an incident that could have been prevented with proper gun safety,” Meek commented. He cautioned the public to never handle firearms while drinking alcoholic beverages or when intoxicated as this causes errors in judgement and handling of weapons. Someone’s actions handling a weapon while under the influence can be described as reckless conduct and is subject to criminal charges, he cautioned.


Always, Meek said, keep in mind the primary rules of gun safety:


•  ALL weapons must be treated as if they are ALWAYS loaded.
• ALWAYS Keep The Gun Unloaded Until Ready To Use.
• NEVER let the MUZZLE of a weapon point at anything you are not willing to destroy.
• Keep your FINGER off the trigger and OUT of the TRIGGER GUARD until the sights are on the target and you are PREPARED to shoot.
• ALWAYS be certain of your target and BEYOND.