I wasn't there at the time, I just heard about it.
Considering that Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden signed my CCW permit, I'm going to write him a letter concerning the negligent discharge of one of his deputies, asking "what would have happened had I, a CCW holder, negligently discharged my carry weapon at the gym?"
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007702280355
Considering that Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden signed my CCW permit, I'm going to write him a letter concerning the negligent discharge of one of his deputies, asking "what would have happened had I, a CCW holder, negligently discharged my carry weapon at the gym?"
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007702280355
ADVERTISEMENT
Deputy's weapon accidentally fired inside health club
By PAT FERRIER
[email protected]
An off-duty sheriff's deputy accidentally discharged his duty weapon at Miramont Lifestyle Fitness, 901 Oakridge Drive, on Monday, narrowly missing a 14-year-old girl working in an adjacent room, Fort Collins police said Tuesday.
Lt. Robert Cook, a 19-year veteran of Larimer County Sheriff's Office, discharged his .45-caliber semi-automatic weapon in the men's lockerroom when he was changing clothes, said Rita Davis, spokeswoman for Fort Collins police, which is investigating the incident.
ADVERTISEMENT
Davis said Cook grabbed his gun and pants out of a locker after his workout. Davis said the safety may have become disengaged when Cook put the gun in the locker and it went off when he pulled it out.
The bullet went through the back of the locker and locker room wall and into another work cubicle occupied by a 14-year-old female club member, Davis said.
The name of the teen has not been released. "The bullet missed her," Davis said.
The bullet eventually hit a fabric wall, bounced off and hit the floor.
The girl's father, Terry Miller, said he hopes that some positive change can come out of the incident.
The fear started to set in when the girl got home, Miller said, but she is doing well.
Miller said he'd like to see a review of the Sheriff's office weapons policy, including what is considered a secure place to store a weapon.
"It (the locker) is not a secure location in my mind," he said.
Miller said he was angry Monday night but that has since passed because "anger doesn't get you anywhere."
"You can't look at 'what if' because it's done," he said. "Now we have to look at what can be done to prevent this from happening again."
Miller said this is an emotional situation for all involved and that he feels for Cook.
"I can only imagine how devastated he is," Miller said. "It has to be his worst nightmare. ... He's not a bad guy."
Linda Jensen, spokeswoman with the District Attorney's office said a meeting is scheduled today to go over the case.
It is not yet known whether there will be any legal action.
An internal investigation is under way in the sheriff's office, but Cook is back on active duty, said Maj. Justin Smith, commander of LCSO's patrol division.
"Thank goodness no one was hurt," Smith said. "I'm sorry it occurred and we're obviously concerned about anyone who was in the area."
Shane Hunsinger, general manager of the facility, said he was told to refer all questions to Fort Collins police. Hunsinger would not comment as to whether there is any policy regarding bringing weapons into the facility.
In addition to the internal investigation, Smith said, the department would review policies, safety and training to make sure "it's adequate."
"Given this is a 19-year veteran, someone who has a tremendous record in the agency and is not know to be reckless with firearms ... it's a big surprise."
Even off-duty law enforcement officers are considered on duty 24/7, Smith said, so it's not illegal or against regulations for Cook to have had his weapon at the health club.
Smith said in his 16 years with Larimer County Sheriff's Office, he could only recall three incidences of weapons being accidentally discharged.
"It's pretty rare that it happens," he said.
Coloradoan staff writer Sara Reed contributed to this report.
THAT was funny