SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — A dispatcher for the Southampton Village Police department accidentally shot himself in the hand while unloading his firearm inside a moving vehicle, resulting in the bullet lodging in a passenger’s wallet, according to authorities.
The incident took place on September 14, and the 37-year-old dispatcher was charged with reckless endangerment earlier this week. Detective Sergeant Gina Laferrera of the Town of Southampton Police provided details about the incident.
As the dispatcher was unloading his legally owned gun, it discharged recklessly while he was in close proximity to others, Laferrera explained in a statement.
The bullet went through the dispatcher’s hand and entered a wallet located in a passenger’s pocket. Fortunately, the dispatcher received medical attention at a hospital and is now recuperating from his injuries; the passenger’s minor injury was also noted, attributed to the bullet striking the wallet.
Following the incident, the dispatcher was taken into custody on Wednesday and faced a charge of reckless endangerment. He has since been released but is required to make a court appearance in the future. As of Friday, he had not responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
It was mentioned by Laferrera that the investigation took approximately a month to complete, as authorities interviewed various witnesses to gather more information regarding the shooting.
Southampton Village Police Chief Suzanne Hurteau indicated that the dispatcher has been placed on administrative leave since the incident occurred. The police department is also running an internal investigation, which may lead to further disciplinary action.
Southampton Village is situated within the larger town of Southampton, known for being an affluent area on the East End of Long Island.
