An accidental discharge of a 9mm handgun led to two Mamou juveniles being injured and transported to New Orleans for treatment. Both juveniles, ages 13 and 8, are expected to make a full recovery.
According to Mamou Chief of Police Brent Zackery, the accident occurred on the morning of Monday, September 13, when an off-duty part-time officer was trying to give his vehicle a boost.
Another officer arrived on scene to assist in the matter. While the two officers were talking, a 13-year-old female went into the truck and found the off-duty officer’s personal firearm.
“She found the gun, pointed it outside the window, and put her hand in front of it,” Chief Zackery said. “When that happened, she pulled the trigger, and the gun fired. It struck her and a male juvenile. To my understanding, he was hit around the wrist and the leg.”
Chief Zackery confirmed the shooting was an accident and the off-duty officer had his gun “in his holster inside his console.” He added the juveniles “were not even supposed to be in the vehicle. They just came outside, and he didn’t know they were outside.”
Child Protective Services were contacted, and the off-duty officer’s gun was taken into evidence until the investigation is completed, according to Chief Zackery.
“He’s not being treated any differently than a regular person just because he works here,” the chief said. “I’m still treating it like he doesn’t. Until everything is done, he’s going to be off. He’s not terminated, but, until the investigation is over, I have it to where he is not working.”
Chief Zackery then urged all residents to practice gun safety. “You have to be careful,” he expressed. “Always know where your guns are, and keep them locked up. If you’re going to have kids around, be extra cautious with your weapon and teach them gun safety.”
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Tony Marks
Editor