A man in Independence, Ohio, negligently shot himself in the leg while trying to sell a handgun to his brother-in-law in a hotel room. Despite both parties being legally allowed to possess firearms, the man was cited for illegal discharge of a firearm and transported to a hospital for treatment.

LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE

INDEPENDENCE, OH (2-minute read) — A man was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the leg after a negligent discharge inside a hotel on Quarry Lane in Independence, Ohio, on April 26 around 6:01 p.m.

Police say the man had been attempting to show a handgun to his brother-in-law, who was considering buying it, when the man discharged the firearm. The round struck the man in his own leg. Despite the injury, he was conscious and alert when officers arrived at the scene.

Both the injured man and his brother-in-law were legally permitted to own and carry firearms under Ohio law. However, the mishandling of the firearm resulted in the man being cited for illegal discharge of a firearm.

He was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and his condition has not been reported as life-threatening.

The Importance of Firearm Safety

Private firearm sales are legal in many states, including Ohio, but they must be conducted with caution. Negligent discharges often result from poor handling practices, failure to check if a firearm is loaded, or lack of muzzle discipline. When showing a firearm—whether for sale or education—it is critical to follow the four universal rules of firearm safety:

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.

These incidents serve as stark reminders that even routine transactions involving firearms should be handled with the same care as active shooting scenarios.

Safety Tip: Never handle or show a firearm without first clearing it, pointing it in a safe direction, and ensuring the trigger area remains untouched. Practicing safe handling—even during casual moments—prevents tragic outcomes.