A man was airlifted to a hospital after accidentally shooting himself in the chest with a .380 pistol — and first responders are reminding the public about the importance of firearm safety and secure handling.
Deputies and EMS rushed to a residence Thursday evening after 911 received a frantic call stating, “I’ve been shot,” before the line went dead. Dispatchers quickly re-established contact with the victim’s father-in-law, who confirmed the incident involved a .22 or .380 caliber pistol and was believed to be self-inflicted.
When officers arrived, they found EMS already on scene treating the victim, who had a gunshot wound just above the sternum. A loaded Smith & Wesson .380 handgun was recovered from the kitchen counter along with a spent shell casing on the porch.
🚑 Blood trails, spent brass, and a blood-soaked towel told a chaotic story — the man had apparently stumbled through the house and onto the porch after the shooting. A witness reported he had come to pick up tools when he found the man bleeding and tried to help.
📸 Lawrence County Deputies documented the scene, collected evidence, and secured the weapon. The pistol’s magazine still held four live rounds, and one spent shell was jammed in the action, possibly indicating a misfire or unintentional discharge.
At first, medics believed the shooting was an accident, but the victim reportedly told EMS personnel that it wasn’t an accident — “just stupid.” The man was stabilized and airlifted from the Symmes Valley softball field.
⚠️ FIREARM SAFETY TIPS FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT:
- Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- Never point a gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Store firearms in a locked safe and away from children or unauthorized users.
- Know your gun — clean it, handle it properly, and respect its power.
The investigation is ongoing, but authorities do not suspect foul play. Sheriff’s deputies say this incident is a sobering reminder that firearms demand respect, even during routine activities like target practice or varmint control.
