A man was treated at MGRMC for a gunshot wound after he accidentally shot himself in his knee while cleaning his handgun.
By Jon Johnson
SAN JOSE – Mark Scott, 65, was transported by Lifeline Ambulance to the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center on Sunday for treatment of a gunshot wound after accidentally shooting himself in his knee while attempting to clean his handgun.
A deputy was dispatched at about 4:34 p.m. to a residence on E. San Jose Road after a neighbor called for assistance.
According to a Graham County Sheriff’s Office report, Scott said he had his nephew recently clean his .22 caliber Taurus pistol and he wanted to see if it needed additional cleaning or more lubricating oil. Scott informed the investigating deputy that he took out the loaded magazine but did not realize there was a bullet in the chamber. As Scott discharged the firearm to release the striker to disassemble the weapon, the round in the chamber fired and struck him in his knee.
The bullet went through Scott’s leg and hit a picture on the east wall of the bedroom. The bullet then continued through the picture and the wall and was found on the other side inside the laundry room. After performing a check on the pistol, the Taurus, loaded magazine, and a second loaded magazine in a nylon case were placed into evidence for safekeeping until Scott could retrieve them.
NRA gun safety rules
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your finger alongside the frame and outside the trigger guard. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
- Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.
- Additional rules include: Know your target and what is beyond. Know how to use the gun safely. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Use only the correct ammunition. Never use alcohol, over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs before or while shooting, and store guns so they are not accessible for unauthorized persons.
Source: National Rifle Association of America
