Accidental Shooting Death Results In Gun Safety Discussion
The experts, being police and those in the firearms business sing the same song: know your gun; know if it’s loaded, know where to store it. They said that can help prevent accidents like the one Christmas night in Frankfort.
It was then, tragedy hit a Taylor Avenue home in Frankfort. A single bullet, accidentally fired from a loaded gun someone found, struck 16-year-old Dnomyar Russell in the head, killing him less than a day later.
"This is a very tragic situation at any time of year, but especially on Christmas night," said Frankfort Police major Rob Warfel.
In the wake of the tragedy, police said is a lesson in safety.
"We recommend anytime there are firearms there and they’re loaded, that you always treat them as if they are loaded and handle them very, very cautiously," said Warfel.
Firearm professionals reiterated the point.
"The first thing, the first thing that everyone wants to make certain is that the weapon is unloaded at all times," said Seth Dix, of S and D Firearms.
Experts said accidental shooting deaths are trending down. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, there were 600 deaths in 2011 compared to over 1,000 in 1991. The foundation said in 2011, 400 of those happened in the home.
"People don’t intend on leaving a weapon loaded. They just forget there’s a round in the chamber," said Dix.
Professionals said it’s a matter of knowing your firearm.
"Weapons familiarization prevents a lot of injury."
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