FREDERICK, MD – Frederick Chief of Police Jason Lando today said an infant in a downstairs apartment was nearly struck by an accidental firearm discharged in a unit above the family’s apartment.
According to police, at around 3:45 p.m. officers responded to the 1400 Block of Key Parkway for what was initially reported as a building explosion.
“Officers determined no such explosion had occurred, but that an individual had unintentionally discharged a firearm in his unit. The bullet traveled through the floor and nearly struck an infant in the unit below,” police said in a statement. “Due to the proximity of the infant, the individual was charged with reckless endangerment via a criminal summons.”
“It cannot be overstated the importance of the word ‘responsible’ when it comes to responsible gun ownership,” said Jason Lando, Chief of Police. “Yesterday afternoon came dangerously close to ending in tragedy when a stray bullet came within inches of an infant. If you own or handle firearms, please be responsible, treat every gun as though it is loaded and take the time to go through firearm safety courses before you bring a gun into your home.”
The suspect was charged due to the potentially serious nature of the incident.