OOPS!

[numist]

Last evening I caught a bit of Jay Leno's monolog. In it he mentioned this story. I assume from the date of the story the show I was catching was a repeat. He made this story into a joke but I won't repeat that one here.

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles ... 146425.txt

Detective's handgun discharges in courtroom's bathroom

Jan 12, 2008 - 04:05:40 CST
By DAVE KOLPACK
Associated Press Writer
FARGO - A 35-year law enforcement veteran could face criminal charges after his handgun accidentally went off in a courthouse bathroom.

Authorities said no one was hurt when the gun belonging to Cass County sheriff's Detective Dean Wawers discharged during lunch hour Thursday.

"Accidental discharges shouldn't happen," Sheriff Paul Laney said Friday. "We receive training on how to safely handle our weapons."

The gun went off in a first-floor bathroom of the courthouse, where the sheriff's department offices are located. It did not disrupt business at the courthouse, Laney said.

"Believe it or not, not a lot of people knew about it initially," Laney said. "It was such a muffled deal. The word of mouth went around afterward but ... there was zero panic."

Wawers, who could not be reached for comment, is humbled and embarrassed by the incident, Laney said.

"If you ever read one of his reports, he's probably one of the most thorough investigators you'll ever meet in your life," Laney said. "He is very professional, he is very honorable and he is a very good man."

Laney said the shot damaged a ceiling title, but he would not give further details. "All I can say is, 'Thank God, nobody was hurt,"' Laney said.

The weapon is a standard issue Glock semiautomatic 40-caliber handgun, Fargo police Sgt. Jeff Skuza said. The gun has three safety features and can go off only if someone pulls the trigger, Skuza said.

Laney said Wawers would continue working until police investigation and the city attorney finish a review. The sheriff's department will conduct an internal investigation and decide possible disciplinary action, Laney said.

Firing a gun within the city limits is a misdemeanor, said Erik Johnson, a city attorney. Johnson said Friday he had not received the police report.

The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

"Accidents do happen," Laney said. "Now, does that mean we look the other way or we make a joke about it or go about our daily business? Absolutely not. That's why I contacted the Fargo police department and asked them to investigate."

[Venus Pax]

The weapon is a standard issue Glock semiautomatic 40-caliber handgun, Fargo police Sgt. Jeff Skuza said. The gun has three safety features and can go off only if someone pulls the trigger, Skuza said.

Since when do Glocks have safeties?

As for the part about it going off if someone pulls the trigger, isn't that sort of a given?

[AFJailor]

As for the part about it going off if someone pulls the trigger, isn't that sort of a given?

Sadly no, the media and hollywood has taught the sheep that guns are dangerous and can go off at any given moment. When people tell me stories of gun just "going off" I dont even bother telling them how dumb that statement is anymore, I just sigh and press on.

[HooG19]

The weapon is a standard issue Glock semiautomatic 40-caliber handgun, Fargo police Sgt. Jeff Skuza said. The gun has three safety features and can go off only if someone pulls the trigger, Skuza said.

Since when do Glocks have safeties?

I honestly hope your kidding, but I also realize that a lot of people may not be familiar with the 3 safeties that are included on every Glock...

Here is a link to a Glockmeister page that explains the Glock safeties including a couple of illustrations.

http://glockmeister.com/pages.php?cID=3&pID=29

I carry my Glocks without any worry about not having an external safety. It was a hurdle I had to overcome, but was able to once I learned how the Glock Safe Action system works.