Policeman hurts self in accidental firing

CEBU, Philippines - A police officer was injured after his service pistol accidentally went off while cleaning it Tuesday evening.

Police Officer 3 Benjamin Gerozaga, 49, desk officer of Argao Police Station, suffered a gunshot wound to the left knee. Initial investigation revealed that Gerozaga was cleaning his gun in preparation for the upcoming general inspection.

Gerozaga allegedly loaded the gun while cleaning and forgot to have its safety lever on. The gun went off in the process.He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police Officer 2 Howard Maynopas said Gerozaga was left alone in the station because his colleagues were on roving when the incident happened.

Maynopas said Gerozaga’s disability could have attributed to the accident. He said the victim had a vehicular accident few years ago that has affected his right arm.

“Kasagaran kay safety man gyud basta during cleaning, iya daw gi-load niya pagbalik mura’g na-slip  sa iyang kamot niya napitik ang hammer mao to nibuto,” said Maynopas. (FREEMAN)