NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and WeatherAlbemarle Police Officer Shoots Self in Hand During Training

Albemarle Police Officer Shoots Self in Hand During Training

An Albemarle County police officer is recovering after accidentally shooting himself in the hand. It happened Thursday afternoon at the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club on Old Lynchburg Road.

Police say the officer was cleaning his gun when it went off. He was treated and released from the University of Virginia Medical Center. No one else was injured.

Police are reviewing the incident and say this is a reason they need their own firing range.

Sergeant Darrell Byers of the Albemarle County Police Department said, "I think it will be very beneficial for us in the outcome over the long run because it will allow us to have more frequent use of the range, more frequent use handling our firearms."

Police say the officer involved has tenure with the department. The office of professional standards will conduct the review to make sure the gun was properly working and to see if the accident could have been prevented.

Albemarle County Police Press Release

On November 10, 2011 at approximately 4:00 P.M. while attending annual firearms training at the Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club, an officer unintentionally discharged his firearm causing injury to his left hand.

The officer was transported the University of Virginia Medical Center and is listed in good condition. 

Per the policies and procedures of the Albemarle County Police Department, when an agency member discharges his or her firearm it is required that the Office of Professional Standards conducts an administrative review. 

Sergeant Darrell R. Byers
Public Information Officer