JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WSVN) – A traffic stop in Jacksonville turned horrifying after a man who was stopped by officers was accidentally shot with his own gun, authorities said. He is currently pursuing legal action.
Jason Arrington said he had just gotten off work on the afternoon of Dec. 13 and was driving downtown when he was stopped at a red light.
Mr Arrington said the situation became alarming after the officer asked for his license and insurance information.
“He asked if you had a gun or a weapon. I told him, ‘I have a gun.’ He asked me, “Where is this?” “I said, ‘That’s my personal responsibility,'” Arrington said. “(The officer) said okay,” he said, “Well, if I try to do it. All I have to do is have you come out and my partner get rid of the gun and we can move on.” I said, “Okay, no problem.” .
However, a problem arose when the female police officer tried to remove the gun from his holster while the man had his hand on the hood of the car.
“She pulled the gun first, and then she pulled it again. So I said to her, ‘Hey, the belt is tight, let me loosen it,'” Arrington said. I know, she might have been nervous, whatever, she pulled hard two more times, and that’s when the gun went off, hitting me in the hip of the thigh, and (the bullet) hit me. It came out from inside – my right side. ”
Arrington’s attorney, Brooke Hobbs, said she is pursuing legal action alleging that her civil rights were violated.
Ms Hobbs said her client’s injuries have resulted in physical therapy, emotional distress and possible loss of income.
“Anyone who has ever operated a firearm, and certainly any trained police officer, knows that if you put your finger inside the trigger guard, there is a very serious risk that the gun will go off.” she said. Anything near a trigger at this point is extremely troubling and should be of concern to the public. ”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released a statement Friday regarding the officer-involved shooting. It is read like this:
“As is customary in these types of investigations, the officer being investigated may have their law enforcement privileges revoked. The officer’s privileges will be revoked and he will remain in management position pending the completion of an active internal affairs investigation.” was reassigned.”
JSO officers have since updated their policies regarding handling firearms during traffic stops, but Arrington’s legal team said more training and transparency is needed.
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