Miami Springs Police Chief Matthew Castillo shared the following statement regarding the accidental shooting incident at a residential home along Esplanade Drive.
Unfortunately, the shooting injured a woman after she was reportedly shot in the torso. Fortunately, Miami Springs Police responded quickly and were able to coordinate with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. As a result, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue helicopter was able to land at the Miami Springs Golf Course and transport the victim to Ryder Trauma Center.
The good news is that she is expected to recover from her injuries.
The bad news is that the husband, who accidentally discharged the firearm, is now facing culpable negligence with bodily harm charges.
We are so proud of the Miami Springs Police Department for their prompt response to the incident. They’re quick response to the scene very well may have saved the life of the injured wife.
We hope the woman has a speedy recovery from this unfortunate incident.
The Four Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety
These foundational rules should be followed at all times, without exception:
-
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Even if you just checked it, or watched someone else check it, always handle the gun with the respect due a loaded weapon.
-
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. Never point the gun at anything you do not intend to destroy. A “safe direction” means that if the gun were to go off, it would not cause injury or property damage.
-
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This is known as “trigger discipline.” Your index finger should rest straight along the frame or receiver of the gun, completely outside the trigger guard, until your sights are on the target and you have made the decision to fire.
-
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Never fire at a noise, a movement, or a shadow. You must know exactly what you are shooting at and what lies behind it, as bullets can pass through targets or miss entirely.
Handling and Operation Practices
-
Visually and physically clear the chamber. Whenever you pick up a firearm, take it from storage, or are handed a firearm by someone else, immediately check to ensure it is unloaded. Remove the magazine, lock the slide or bolt back, and visually and physically inspect the chamber.
-
Never try to catch a dropped gun. If you drop a firearm, let it hit the ground. Trying to catch it in mid-air often results in a finger accidentally slipping inside the trigger guard and pulling the trigger. Modern firearms have drop safeties designed to prevent them from firing when dropped.
-
Be mindful when holstering. A common cause of negligent discharges is clothing, drawstrings, or holster debris getting caught inside the trigger guard as the gun is pushed into the holster. Always look the gun into the holster and ensure the path is clear.
-
Use the mechanical safety (but do not rely on it). Engage the safety whenever you are not actively firing. However, remember that safeties are mechanical devices that can fail. A safety is never a substitute for the four cardinal rules.
Maintenance and Storage
-
Store firearms safely. When not in use, firearms should be stored unloaded in a locked safe, lockbox, or with a cable lock. Store ammunition in a separate, locked location.
-
Maintain your firearm properly. A dirty or poorly maintained gun can experience mechanical failures. Clean and lubricate your firearm according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the internal mechanisms and safeties function correctly.
-
Do not alter trigger mechanisms unsafely. While trigger jobs are common, excessively lightening a trigger pull can make a firearm prone to discharging from a slight bump or jolt. Always have modifications done by a certified gunsmith.
