Teen Accidentally Shoots Self in Leg for the Second Time in Three Months
OutdoorHub Reporters 09.16.15
A 16-year-old boy from Tulsa, Oklahoma was rushed to the hospital on Monday after accidentally shooting himself in the leg. According to Tulsa World, officers were called to the scene of the accident, a private residence, and found the teen on a bed soaked with blood. Suspecting that the bullet had severed an artery, officers quickly stopped the bleeding with a tourniquet and had the boy transported to a hospital, where he was listed in serious condition.
Strangely enough, the Tulsa Police Department claims that this is not the first time the teen has been involved in an accidental shooting. Roughly three months ago the boy had also shot himself in the leg with a handgun. At the time, officers investigated the case but found the injury to be not life-threatening. The department did not offer details on the aftermath of the investigation but did say that the handgun was confiscated and remained at the police station. Officials did not specify if the teen or his parents will face any charges.
At least this time, the boy was fortunate that police arrived when they did. Officials said in a news release that the teen was found conscious but incoherent in his residence. The victim had lost a lot of blood, which could cause dizziness, shortness of breath, and even hypovolemic shock in more serious cases.
“Officer [Brian] Wilson’s quick action saved the victim’s life by preventing him from bleeding to death,” Sergeant Steve Stoltz told News On 6.
It is not known if there was anybody else in the house that could have rendered aid to the victim. Whatever the case, this is a good reminder that proper gun safety could save lives. Organizations like the NRA and National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) encourage practicing safe gun handling at all times, even in the privacy of your own home.
“Don’t be timid when it comes to gun safety. If you observe anyone violating any safety precautions, you have an obligation to insist on safer handling practices,” NSSF states on its website.
You can review NSSF’s ten rules of safe gun handling here.
