Traffic Stop Turns Harrowing as Florida Officer Accidentally Shoots Driver with His Own Gun
– A Jacksonville, Florida police officer is facing scrutiny after accidentally shooting a driver with the man’s own firearm during a traffic stop . The incident, captured on bodycam footage released by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, has sparked questions about police procedure and safety protocols.
The incident began when Jason Arrington was pulled over for allegedly speeding through a red light. According to bodycam footage, Arrington informed the officer he had a gun on his person. “As long as you’re cool,” the officer responded. Arrington replied, “I’m chill. I’m at your mercy. I ain’t gonna lie to you.” The officer reportedly acknowledged Arrington’s honesty.
The situation escalated when Arrington was asked to exit the vehicle for a search. While the officer attempted to retrieve the firearm from Arrington’s pocket, the gun discharged, striking Arrington in the leg. The bodycam video shows Arrington gripping his car, struggling to stay upright as a result of the wound to his thigh.
Police immediately began administering first aid, attempting to control the bleeding from Arrington’s leg. The officer involved in the shooting is now facing potential disciplinary action, with some reports indicating she is likely to be terminated from the force.
This incident echoes a similar event that occurred in another traffic stop, highlighting the inherent risks involved in these encounters. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has released the bodycam footage as part of an ongoing investigation into the shooting.
Nevada Trooper Involved in Shooting Following Pursuit
In a separate incident, a Nevada State Trooper was involved in a shooting following a pursuit of a reckless driver in Reno late Saturday night, . The driver, identified as 34-year-old Darnelle Boykins, initially failed to stop for troopers responding to reports of reckless driving near I-580 and Mt. Rose Highway.
After a brief pursuit, the first trooper discontinued the chase but broadcasted a description of the vehicle. A second trooper later located Boykins traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of South Virginia Street. The trooper initiated another traffic stop after catching up with Boykins on Moana Lane, where it was observed that the vehicle was missing a left rear tire and driving on the rim.
Authorities have not released details regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting, but Boykins was taken into custody and booked into the Washoe County jail. He is facing multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon on a first responder, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and discharging a firearm within an occupied vehicle.
These two incidents, occurring in different states, underscore the potential for dangerous and unpredictable situations during traffic stops. Both cases are under investigation, and further details are expected to be released as the investigations progress.
