Smith County judge accidentally shoots himself in leg

Lucky45 · Post by **Lucky45** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:24 am

(10/17/07 - TYLER, TX) - Smith County Judge Joel Baker is back at work after accidentally shooting himself in the left thigh while cleaning a .22 caliber handgun.

Baker told reporters he was "careless" when the accident happened Monday night while he was at home and getting ready to put some guns away.

The judge had taken his family shooting over the weekend. Baker, who required medical attention, says some of the bullet fragments could not be removed.

He worked from home the day after the accident, but returned to his office Wednesday.

Baker says he has a concealed handgun permit.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

nuparadigm · Post by **nuparadigm** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:15 am

It's always kind of amazing when someone has an ND while "cleaning" a firearm.

frankie_the_yankee · Post by **frankie_the_yankee** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:22 am

I was thinking the same thing.

mr surveyor · Post by **mr surveyor** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:54 am

I wonder about the relevence of the addition of the statement:

quote - "Baker says he has a concealed handgun permit"

And, if he didn't have a CHL I could imagine the reporter saying:

"And, Baker didn't even have a license to carry a handgun."

"Journalists" (term used very loosely) can rarely report a story without adding some bait to leave room for controversy.

Lucky45 · Post by **Lucky45** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:50 am

mr surveyor wrote:I wonder about the relevence of the addition of the statement:

quote - "Baker says he has a concealed handgun permit"

And, if he didn't have a CHL I could imagine the reporter saying:

"And, Baker didn't even have a license to carry a handgun."

"Journalists" (term used very loosely) can rarely report a story without adding some bait to leave room for controversy.

I guess they are saying that as a permit holder, you should know better and be held to a higher standard. Especially with the extra training and all, than other citizens.

Post by **Keith B** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:57 am

nuparadigm wrote:It's always kind of amazing when someone has an ND while "cleaning" a firearm.

As a pilot, these are the problems we see frequently with accidents. Someone has done something so many times they don't really think about what they are doing because of complacency and miss a step in the process. We get used to handling things frequently and sometimes don't go through a checklist or let our mind wander and become careless.

jazr45acp · Post by **jazr45acp** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:25 pm

I wonder if he shoots out at Dietz's?

Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

zigzag · Post by **zigzag** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:13 pm

The Judge should know better. No wonder we see judges nowadays.

Greybeard · Post by **Greybeard** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:18 pm

Baker told reporters he was "careless"

He was at least honest about that part.

Nazrat · Post by **Nazrat** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:23 pm

I know this guy. Remember, he is the elected county judge which is mostly an administrative position. Other than probate matters, his main duty is sitting on the board with the county commissioners.

He is a pretty nice guy. I am surprised that this made the news.