Unlicensed Man's gun discharges in cubicle at work

[endigo]

http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news ... 86176.html

Man's gun discharges in cubicle at work, injures him
By ALEX BRANCH
abranch@star-telegram.com
An employee of a Lake Worth insurance company was shot in both legs Tuesday morning when a handgun he brought to work discharged as he sat in his cubicle, Police Chief Brett McGuire said.

There is no evidence that the 47-year-old man had intended to harm anyone with the weapon but rather "just felt the need to carry it," McGuire said.

"He wasn't having problems with his bosses or co-workers that we know of," McGuire said.

The incident occurred about 9:15 a.m. at Al Boenker Insurance, 6030 Lake Worth Blvd. After arriving at work, the man draped his jacket over the back of his chair, McGuire said. The .45-caliber automatic was in the left jacket pocket.

As the man got settled in his chair, the gun discharged, McGuire said.

The man was likely doing something to the weapon when it fired because "that particular weapon doesn't just sit there and go off," McGuire said.

The bullet passed through the man's left leg and then his right leg and through the corner of a bookcase before lodging in the wall of a cubicle occupied by a startled female co-worker, McGuire said.

The man was taken to a hospital, he said.

Lake Worth police have no record of the man being licensed to carry a concealed weapon, McGuire said. He also appears to have violated his company's policy against bringing guns to work -- licensed or not -- without company officials' permission.

Detectives will wait until the man has recovered from his injuries to determine whether to pursue charges, McGuire said.

Alex Branch, 817-390-7689

[Mithras61]

The man was likely doing something to the weapon when it fired because "that particular weapon doesn't just sit there and go off,"
McGuire said.

Most of 'em don't just "go off" unless you're doing something with 'em (like putting your booger hook on the bang switch).

The bullet passed through the man's left leg and then his right leg and through the corner of a bookcase before lodging in the wall of a cubicle occupied by a startled female co-worker, McGuire said.

Somehow, I think "startled" is a pretty significant understatement. I know if I was in the cubicle next to where a firearms was discharged, "startled" wouldn't be the FIRST word I used to describe what I felt (although it may be the first one that's 10YOD compliant ).

[jazr45acp]

I hate when that happens. I guess he's out of a job now. Later.

[stevie_d_64]

I bet the only thing they will get is a misdemeanor deadly conduct charge as a result of the discharge...And maybe a UCW, since apparently he doesn't have a permit...The UCW I think is a felony...So he's pretty much toast...

Yep, he's definitely going to be looking for a new job...

You know it just never ceases to amaze me that accidents do actually happen, and that your right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, becomes a blanket illegality...

I'm going to jump off the logic train and go grab a tall frosty mug of pork gravy...Might make me feel better...

[Renegade]

And this is why companies are deathly afraid of folks bringing guns to work.

[Longtooths]

(like putting your booger hook on the bang switch).

I blew coffee out my nose

[Wildscar]

(like putting your nose cork on the bang switch).

I blew coffee out my nose

Fixed to accmodate LT

[Mithras61]

(like putting your booger hook on the bang switch).

I blew coffee out my nose

I got that from Lawdog. I think it's one of the more colorful descriptions I've ever heard (and my son laughs like mad everytime I say it, too). But it is true that guns don't just "go off" without someone doing something to them.

[seamusTX]

The UCW I think is a felony

UCW is a misdemeanor unless it's in a place where alcoholic beverages are sold. In that case, it's a felony. BTW, that is any place where alcoholic beverages are sold, not just bars.

Deadly conduct can also be a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon circumstances.

- Jim

[Houston1944]

The fix is called a "holster". I suggest that should he be able to continue to own a handgun after this event that he invest in one.

[austin]

There won't be any charges. I think he learned his lesson.

[Snake Doctor]

The fix is called a "holster". I suggest that should he be able to continue to own a handgun after this event that he invest in one.

+1

[casingpoint]

This is why I prefer open carry. You know who's got what. The horror of concealed carry is incompetent persons causing accidental/negligent discharges to innocent bystanders. For example, I don't hanker to be standing in line behind anybody carrying a handgun in a horizontal shoulder holster under a jacket and I don't have a clue. Especially dangerous are some semi autos with either no safety, no decocker or no lock and a round in the chamber. Revos, not such a problem.

[frankie_the_yankee]

This is why I prefer open carry. You know who's got what.

Yup. The BG's know what you've got, and if they are stubbornly carrying concealed, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'VE GOT.

Sound good to you?

[jason]

He'll probably be fired and his insurance will be terminated. He will end up footing the bill for this entire thing. I doubt they'll hit him with anything big from a criminal stance if at all.

A little training would have gone a long way with this one.