Man shoots his friend in gun mishap
Cindy Leise | The Chronicle-Telegram
SHEFFIELD LAKE – A 21-year-man was being held Sunday on charges he accidentally shot his friend in the back while handling a handgun.
Christopher Goins, 21, had showed his friend Michael Gaal the gun at about 6:30 p.m. Saturday when it discharged, according to Sheffield Lake police Capt. Anthony Campo.
Gaal, 18, also of Sheffield Lake, was hit from a distance of about six feet, Campo said.
He said Gaal was treated and released from MetroHealth Medical Center with the round still in his back. Gaal was not paralyzed but will need additional treatment for the injury, Campo said.
Goins was charged with negligent assault, a misdemeanor, Campo said.
Goins, who has a prior drug conviction, also faces a felony charge of having weapons under disability, Campo said.
He said Goins was being held without bond pending a court appearance today, Campo said.
Campo described the gun as a .380-caliber “Saturday night special.” He said Goins told police he got it from a family member.
“He had shown it to Gaal, who turned back in his chair, and it discharged,” Campo said. “I don’t think he knew it had a round in the chamber.”
Campo said Goins was apparently unfamiliar with guns.
“If you don’t know how to operate a gun, don’t touch it,” Campo said.
The incident occurred at Goins’ home on Thelma Drive.
Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.
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Filed by Cindy Leise | The Chronicle-Telegram September 22nd, 2008 in Top Stories. Popularity: 3% |
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Comments
Comment from
THHiggie
September 22, 2008, 2:23 pm
A doper and a gun nut. I’m glad I don’t have any “friends” like this, or any sons to go skeet shooting with.
Comment from
Chris
September 22, 2008, 10:12 pm
Hmmm, how does a gun discharge, unless your finger is on the trigger? Stupis a** people with guns in their hands just don’t mix.
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