Tuesday, May 11, 2010

CT Man Receives Slap on the Wrist

The Middletown Press reports on another case of someone receiving a slap on the wrist for a serious gun violation.

MIDDLETOWN — A city man was arrested May 1 after accidentally shooting out his living room window while attempting to fix his rifle, police said.

Lemont West, 32, of 217 Hendley St., called police at 9:15 a.m. to report the accidental discharge of his weapon, according to the arrest report.

He told police he was getting his gun ready for a trip to the rifle range and accidentally fired a round through the living room window.

Lemont’s parents were in the kitchen and his 10-year-old son was upstairs when the gun went off, police said.

Lemont told police he was doing some work on the rifle because it was malfunctioning

Officers canvased the area for the .223 caliber round that went through the double-pane bay window, but could not locate it, according to the arrest report.

Lemont was charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and second-degree reckless endangerment.

He was released from custody after posting a $5,000 bond and scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior Court May 10.

Lemont’s weapons were turned over to local police for safekeeping while the case is pending.

Of course, after his couple of minor convictions he'll get his rifle back and go right back to business as usual, which makes him too reckless and irresponsible to own guns safely.

Why do the pro-gun folks defend guys like this who give them all a bad name? Is there any excuse for this kind of incident. No, there isn't, unless you want to have the greatest possible leeway in exercising your gun rights and treat the 4 Rules as a take it or leave it proposition.

What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.

14 comments:

  1. A better punishment would be to mandate he attend a gun handling class.

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  2. Slap on the wrist?

    He's out of his weapons, a picture window, trust of his parents and five grand--so far.

    He hasn't been sentenced yet. Sure the judge may dish out some leniency for turning himself in, but we don't know that yet.

    Contrast this to the outcome given to a drunk police officer:

    http://www.suntimes.com/news/24-7/2249592,CST-NWS-bowling08.article?plckCurrentPage=0&sid=sitelife.suntimes.com

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  3. This is something we can readily agree upon. Cops too often get preferential treatment. It's wrong.

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  4. Should you lose your car forever after one accident where no one else was harmed?

    If no then the same is true in this case.

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  5. I think it is gun envy on MB part.

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  6. Let's review:

    Gunloon grossly mishandles own firearm. Check.

    Gunloon still living at home with parents despite being 32. Check.

    Gunloon still living at home with parents with child. Check.

    Mike W. attempts to compare cars with guns. Check.

    --JadeGold

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  7. Jade's comment having nothing to do with the post in question

    Check.

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  8. You still live with mom, right, Mike W?

    --JadeGold

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  9. Jade, would you please go ahead and make a dick joke then call everyone racists so we can get two more checks done for this post?

    Oh, and say hello to your Mom for me.

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  10. FWM - Jade's attacks are so predictable it's sad. It's basic rinse, lather repeat.

    MikeB's support of such attacks is equally sad, although predictable.

    It really is all they have in lieu of logic, rational thought and factual evidence.

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  11. JadeGuy queries: You still live with mom, right, Mike W?

    Mike W used to live with your mom?

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  12. Poor Mike W.

    Mom does worry about you.

    --JadeGold

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  13. I'm staying away from the jokes about whose mom Mike W. lives with. But that was pretty funny Ruff.

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  14. The Prince's sense of humor is pretty good too.

    "I think it is gun envy on MB part."

    ReplyDelete