Loudon County (TN) sheriff's captain shot

[enfield]

It must be something in the water . . .

***************************************************
Loudon County sheriff's captain shot

By News Sentinel staff
April 7, 2005

A Loudon County Sheriff's Department captain was rushed to the hospital this afternoon, apparently the victim of an accidental shooting.

Capt. Tony Arden was shot once in the chest with his .223-caliber assault rifle, Chief Deputy Tony Aikens said. He was flown by Lifestar helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Arden, 40, was in his office when officers heard a gunshot about 4 p.m., Aikens said. They found Arden lying in the floor.

A rifle cleaning kit was on Arden's desk, Aikens said.

"At this time it appears accidental," Aikens said.

The incident is being investigated by the Blount County Sheriff's Department at the request of Loudon County, Aikens said.

"We want an independent investigation," Aikens said.

Arden has been with the department 10 years, Aikens said, and took over as administrative patrol captain about six weeks ago. He had been in charge of the jail prior to the move.

Aikens said he's not been able to talk to Arden yet, adding, "He's conscious and alert."

Arden has a wife and two daughters.

 

[benEzra]

I'm trying to visualize this. How does one accidentally shoot oneself in the chest with a rifle?

 

[Bear Gulch]

I thought I would comment, I will not at this time.

 

[SnakeEater]

I know everyone is tempted to slam this guy, I would urge everyone to withhold comment until hopefully his condition stabilizes. After that, well, I'll join in the bashing myself.

 

[Joejojoba111]

Another coward attempting suicide by cop.

 

[Standing Wolf]

How does one accidentally shoot oneself in the chest with a rifle?

If you start to peek down the barrel to see whether it's loaded, and...

 

[Parallax]

Gun ownership should be restricted to responsible government agencies only

 

[Mordoc]

Our Sheriff was on the news yesterday saying that he was sure the rifle was unloaded and that they had only received the rifles last week. He reported that they had not issued them yet. This is the same department that had a deputy killed by a sixteen year old last year. The rifles were purchased (in part) in response to that incident according to the statement the sheriff made. The deputy was reported to be in serious but stable condition at the last report I heard. It was a .223. I assume an AR although the type hasn't been reported.