Ohio Police Instructor Shoots Himself Accidentally

The Oxford Press reports on an embarrassing incident which took place during a gun demonstration in front of 24 recruits.

Robert J. Stewart, 55, was demonstrating the use of a 9mm Smith & Wesson semiautomatic pistol at about 7:51 p.m. at the firing range when he shot himself in the upper right thigh in front of 24 recruits and several instructors at Butler Tech’s Public Safety Education Center, said Butler County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chuck Laymon.

Stewart, of Bethel, was transported by a Liberty Twp. life squad to Atrium Medical Center in Middletown, where he was treated and released late Friday night.

“He seems to be in good spirits, but he’s just a little embarrassed,” Laymon said. “People ask how these things happen, but this goes to show you that if you get complacent or get in a hurry accidents can happen.”

Stewart is a retired law enforcement officer who works as an adjunct instructor at Butler Tech.

Laymon said none of the students in the class was injured, but some were “disturbed by the whole thing.”

I like the lesson taken by the county sheriff, "if you get complacent or get in a hurry accidents can happen" No attempt to blame the gun there. But I do get the sense that only the raw recruits were bothered by the incident, that the veteran policemen and gun owners all take this as part of the deal. Anyone can have an accident, right?

I say this kind of irresponsible gun handling is unacceptable and should result in immediate disqualification for gun ownership. The fact that it was a former policeman is embarrassing indeed, but unintentional discharges of the gun don't just happen, they are the result of inattention and complacency. I say one strike you're out.

What's your opinion? Is that too severe? How many unintentional shootings should a person be allowed before they lose their right to own guns? Is it unlimited? Is it until one results in a felony?

What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.