A Phoenix Police officer experienced a non-fatal injury after an accidental shooting at the South Mountain Precinct back parking lot on Monday morning, according to reports from FOX 10. Occurring around 9:30 a.m. near 7th and Southern Avenues, the officer, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, suffered a gunshot wound that was deemed non-life-threatening by the authorities.
The details surrounding the gunshot incident remain scarce, but the officer involved was hospitalized following, according to a report from AZ Family. An internal investigation of the matter has already been initiated, as is standard protocol in such events. The Phoenix police department is yet to reveal additional information about the circumstances leading to this recent discharge.
This latest incident is not isolated, as it seems to follow a concerning pattern. The Valley has witnessed three separate accidental shootings involving first responders within the last month. One of which, following a rifle accidentally falling out of a bag, led to the tragic death of Scottsdale Police Det. Ryan So on June 13. On June 22, a Phoenix firefighter sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his leg with his personal firearm while at a fire station.
"You hear this all the time. The gun just went off. No, it didn't," said Dr. Jeffeory Hynes—a retired Phoenix Police Department commander who now concentrates on education—in an interview with FOX 10. Emphasizing training and proper handling, Dr. Hynes pointed out, "You've got to clear yourself, and you've got to believe that every weapon that's been handed to you is ready to go, that it's armed."
As concerns rise about firearm safety within the ranks of the first responders, training frequency and protocols are being scrutinized. Dr. Hynes suggests that responsible gun ownership, particularly when it comes to gifting firearms, includes providing appropriate training courses. Questions sent to the Phoenix Fire Department regarding the June 22 incident and their policies on firearms have yet to receive a response.
