text:
Tennessee has a problem with unintentional shootings. Many of these involve children.
There is no federal database tracking these incidents and even organizations that do try to track them by searching news stories and police reports understand that accidental shootings are under reported.
Although the term most commonly used to describe these types of shooting is "accidental" we do not see them as accidents. Each of these incidents was 100% preventable. Understanding and practicing gun safety is responsible gun ownership. Handling or cleaning guns around others without verifying that the gun is unloaded is not safe. And, a vital part of responsible gun ownership is safe storage of firearms. When not in use, guns should be locked and unloaded. Always. Far too many loaded and unlocked guns are easily accessible to children AND TEENS and result in preventable tragedies.
Note: The shootings involving children include both incidents where a child unintentionally shoots themselves or another person as well as incidents where an adult unintentionally shoots a child. In this context, unintentional shootings involving children indicate a minor child was a victim, unintentional shootings involving adults indicate an adult unintentionally shot another adult.
#NotAnAccident #SafeStorageSavesLives
These are the news stories we have tracked so far in 2020:
>> Total unintentional shootings involving/injuring children: 11
Unintentional shootings involving children with no injuries: 0
Unintentional shootings involving children resulting in injury: 7
Unintentional shootings involving children resulting in death: 5
> Total unintentional shootings involving/injuring adults: 8
Unintentional shootings involving adults with no injuries: 0
Unintentional shootings involving adults resulting in injury: 11
Unintentional shootings involving adults resulting in death: 0
Total unintentional shootings in 2020: 18*
*A single incident on January 10th resulted in injuries to both and an adult and a child. A single incident on January 23rd resulted in injuries to two adults. A single incident on May 17th resulted in two injuries. A single incident on June 17th resulted in two injuries.
2019 Incidents – Total Incidents: 50 | Total incidents involving children: 27 | Total incidents involving adults: 23
>> July 2, 2020 – Hendersonville – Child – Fatality
A 2-year-old boy was with his father at the Shackle Island Fire Department. The toddler got away from his father, gained entry to a vehicle where he found an unsecured, loaded handgun and shot himself with it in the chest. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died.
https://smokeybarn.com/toddler-dies-following-accidental-shooting-at-the-shackle-island-fire-station/
> June 17, 2020 – Franklin – Adults – Injuries
Two Williamson County Sheriff deputies were injured on Wednesday morning when a gun unintentionally discharged.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/williamson_county/two-williamson-deputies-injured-when-gun-accidentally-discharged/article_56d5d178-b0ab-11ea-b065-af5f4bf98555.html
>> June 12, 2020 – East Ridge – Child – Injury
According to police, a teenager unintentionally shot himself and was transported to a hospital. His condition is unknown. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/42242868/east-ridge-police-investigating-shooting-on-sunray-drive
> May 17, 2020 – Campbell County – Adults – Injuries
Two hunters were unintentionally shot by an off-duty Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency officer in Campbell County. One victim was transported and the other drove himself to UT Medical Center for examination. The shooting is under investigation.
https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/42139156/twra-wildlife-officer-accidentally-shot-two-hunters-in-north-cumberland-wma
> May 13, 20202 – Cumberland County – Adult – Injury
A Cumberland County man unintentionally shot himself in the leg. He was lifeflighted to an area trauma center. No further information was released.
http://1057news.com/2020/05/13/17/11/44/breaking-news-shooting-reported-in-cumberland-county/
> April 29, 20202 – Rockwood – Adult – Injury
Two men inside the Roane Vape Shop in Rockwood were looking at a pistol when it discharged, striking a man in his 60s in the ankle.
https://www.bbbtv12.com/?p=18889
>> April 23, 2020 – Ooltewah – Child – Fatality
A 3-year-old picked up a loaded gun he found in his home and fatally shot himself in the chest with it. The gun, later determined to be stolen, was brought to the home by a 19-year-old family friend who left it accessible to the toddler The gun owner faces multiple charges.
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2020/apr/23/hamilton-county-sheriffs-office-investigating-report-shooting-ooltewah/521433/
>> March 14, 2020 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
A 13-year-old accessed an unsecured firearm and shot a 9-year-old boy at a Memphis apartment complex. The youger child was pronounced dead on the scene. The 13-year-old and a 26-year-old man have both been charged with reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/03/14/year-old-charged-fatal-northeast-memphis-shooting/
> March 8, 2020 – Paris – Adult – Injury
A man unintentionally shot a female at a home. He accompanied her to the hospital where she was stabilized. The man then disappeared and was found a short time later outside the hospital, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
https://www.parispi.net/news/local_news/article_0e4b8802-6188-11ea-b7c6-1b9cf6dd5c93.html
>> March 8, 2020 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 17-year-old playing with a handgun unintentionally discharged it, critically injuring another 17-year-old. The 17-year-old who was handling the gun was charged with reckless aggravated assault and tampering with evidence. Another teen at the scene was also charged with tampering with evidence.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/03/08/scso-cordova-shooting-leaves-victim-extremely-critical-condition/
> February 23, 2020 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A 20-year-old man was playing with a gun at a birthday party when the weapon fired and struck another person in the neck. The man was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon. The victim's condition is unknown.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/local/man-arrested-after-shooting-birthday-party-police-say/TDPOCVQU5RG3RMF423U2SIOYVE/
>> February 23, 2020 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
A 16-year-old was fatally shot by a 17-year-old friend who was handling a loaded gun. The older teen has been charged with reckless homicide. It is not clear why the teens had access to a firearm.
https://wreg.com/news/one-critically-hurt-after-shooting-in-southeast-shelby-county/
>>February 22, 2020 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 13-year-old boy was shot in the neck by another juvenile in what police described as an unintentional shooting. It is not clear why the children had access to a firearm or if any charges will be filed.
http://fox17.com/news/local/metro-police-responding-to-shooting-on-albion-street-in-nashville
>> February 16, 2020 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 13-year-old was playing with his 24-year-old cousin's gun, which he believed to be unloaded. He pulled the trigger and the gun fired, striking his 11-year-old brother. When police arrived, they found the 13-year-old holding his brother. The adult gun owner and the 13-year-old have been charged.
https://wreg.com/news/child-hurt-in-shooting-at-whitehaven-apartment-complex/
>>February 16, 2020 – Morristown – Child – Injury
A man was cleaning a gun he believed was unloaded when it fired, striking his 8-year-old niece and the family dog. The bullet traveled through a dresser and a wall before striking the little girl who was laying in bed. No word on if charges will be filed.
https://www.wate.com/news/top-stories/8-year-old-accidentally-shot-in-the-leg-in-morristown-per-hamblen-county-sheriffs-department/
>> February 11, 2020 – LaFollette – Child – Injury
A 13-year-old boy was sitting on the passenger side of his parents' vehicle when he took a 9 mm handgun from the dashboard and accidentally shot himself. The bullet entered his left hand and leg. No word on whether or not charges will be filed.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/police-teen-accidentally-shots-himself-with-gun-left-in-dashboard-of-parents-car/51-b95adba3-2607-4cf2-a0a1-ce5643c00c0b
>> February 1, 2020 – Jackson – Child – Fatality
A 5-year-old shot and killed himself with a gun he found in his father's car. The boy was left in the car at a gas station while his father argued with another person. Police are investigating. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2020/02/01/jpd-investigates-accidental-shooting-death-of-child/
> January 23, 2020 – Lebanon – Two adults – Injuries
A man and woman were both injured in a Smoothie King parking lot when the gun the man was handling fired, striking him in the hand before striking the woman.
https://www.lebanondemocrat.com/lebanon/crime/smoothie-king-shooting-believed-to-be-accidental/article_f88b5dd8-45a8-5872-8682-940d09e60c41.html
>> January 10, 2020 – Soddy Daisy – Adult and Child – Injuries
A father and son were both injured in an unintentional shooting inside a home. Both were last listed in stable condition. No details about the incident have been provided. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/41549688/update-hamilton-county-deputies-investigating-shooting-of-child-in-soddy-daisy
UNINTENTIONAL SHOOTINGS TRACKED IN 2019Section 1
Unintentional shootings involving children resulting in injury: 18
> Total unintentional shootings involving/injuring adults: 23
Total unintentional shootings in 2019: 50
> December 29, 2019 – Weakly County – Adult – Injury
A 33-year-old Weakly County woman was shot in what was described as an unintentional shooting. Someone placed a 911 call reporting a woman had been unintentionally shot in the head. The woman was first transported to a local hospital, the transferred to the trauma center at Regional One in Memphis.
https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2020/01/03/woman-shot-head-rural-community-near-martin/2804296001/
> December 28, 2019 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A man has been charged with attempted second-degree murder after unintentionally shooting a family friend in the head. The shooter thought his safety was on when he pulled the trigger, striking the victim in the forehead.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/29/mpd-man-accidentally-shoots-friend-head-charged-with-attempted-second-degree-murder/
> December 11, 2019 – Hixson – Adult – Injury
A man scouting potential hunting spots at Hixson Tract found an individual suffering from a gunshot wound police believe to be self-inflicted and unintentional. The victim was last listed in critical but stable condition.
https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/41440771/update-shooting-victim-found-near-hunting-grounds-in-hixson
> December 2, 2019 – Cross Plains – Adult – Injury
An 18-year-old girl was unintentionally shot in a Cross Plains home. The teen suffered an injury to the abdomen and was transported to the hospital. While investigating the shooting, law enforcement found drugs in the home, and arrested a 19-year-old female for possession.
https://smokeybarn.com/teen-accidentally-shot-in-the-abdomen-in-cross-plains/
> December 1, 2019 – Shelbyville – Adult – Fatality
A 19-year-old and and 18-year-old were playing with a gun they found in a home they were visiting. The gun discharged, killing the 18-year-old. The 19-year-old was charged with reckless homicide.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/teen-charged-with-reckless-homicide-after-shooting-death-at-bedford/article_ae586d72-154f-11ea-98fe-eb5f57b377a6.html
>> November 29, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
An 11-year-old child unintentionally shot and killed himself with a loaded gun found in his home. No word on who the gun belonged to, or whether or not charges will be filed.
https://wreg.com/2019/11/30/11-year-old-dead-after-accidental-shooting/
> November 8, 2019 – Crab Orchard – Adult – Fatality
38-year-old Jeffrey Dean was hunting with some family members and was mistaken for a deer in the heavily wooded area of the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area. He suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the upper torso. No charges will be filed.
https://www.wate.com/news/top-stories/knoxville-man-dead-after-accidental-shooting-in-morgan-county/
>> October 27, 2019 – Anderson County – Child – Injury
A 9-year-old unintentionally shot a 4-year-old sibling in the face. The child was airlifted to the hospital and is expected to recover. No word on how the children had access to a loaded firearm or whether any charges will be filed.
https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/4-year-old-accidentally-shot-by-sibling-in-Anderson-County–563987301.html
> October 23, 2019 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A man at the Memphis Zoo unintentionally shot himself as he reached into his pocket to get his ID but instead fired his gun. He was given a misdemeanor citation for unlawful possession of a handgun. The gun was returned to him and he faces no charges.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/10/22/accidental-shooting-leaves-injured-memphis-zoo-parking-lot/
> October 10, 2019 – Ridegetop – Adult – Fatality
A 63-year-old woman died from what authorities describe as an unintentional shooting. The woman suffered a back and side wound and was pronounced dead on the scene. No other details were provided. No charges will be filed. https://smokeybarn.com/elderly-woman-dies-in-accidental-shooting-near-ridgetop/
> September 20, 2019 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A permit holder was adjusting his pants inside a Memphis Kroger store, and unintentionally fired his gun, shredding his pant leg and injuring his leg.
https://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/kroger-shopper-accidentally-shoots-himself-inside-store/
>> September 9, 2019 – Nashville – Injury
A 3-year-old suffered a "very critical head wound" after he was shot at a Nashville residence. The circumstances are unclear, but it appears the child may have shot himself. The gun involved in the shooting was reported stolen from a vehicle last year.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2019/09/09/nashville-police-respond-reports-toddler-shot-madison/2263829001/
>>September 8, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 5-year-old unintentionally shot themselves. It is not clear how the child gained access to the firearm. The child was hospitalized with non-critical injuries.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/police-child-5-accidentally-shot-in-whitehaven/984201084
> September 4, 2019 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
A person was playing with a handgun and shot a woman in the back. Her injuries were not life-threatening. The shooter knew the victim, according to police. It is unclear what charges that person is facing.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/woman-accidentally-shot-in-the-back-by-person-playing-with/article_1b9b4ac4-cf7f-11e9-8c85-73bd4b7375f9.html
>> August 11, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
A 4-year-old little girl found a loaded gun under her father's pillow and shot her 8-year-old brother with it. The boy later died. Initial reports indicated the boy shot himself, but authorities later determined the younger child shot him. The father was charged with reckless homicide and felony drug charges.
https://www.scdag.com/news/item/1890-father-indicted-in-young-son-s-shooting-death
A 4-year-old shot himself in the head with a gun he picked up in his home. His father was charged with reckless homicide.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36174142/boy-4-dies-after-accidentally-shooting-himself/
>> August 9, 2019 – Memphis – Injury
A 4-year-old child was shot in the neck when a gun she was playing with discharged. Her father and three other siblings were present at the time. It was not clear how the child gained access to the weapon or whether charges would be filed.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36170855/girl-4-critical-after-accidental-shooting-on-egan-drive/
> July 30, 2019 – Crossville – Adult – Injury
A man was cleaning his .20 caliber semi-automatic pistol. When he reassembled it, he racked the slide a few times and pulled the trigger discharging one shot that went through his left hand.
http://1057news.com/2019/07/29/13/41/11/accidental-shooting-reported-in-cumberland-county/
>> July 22, 2019 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 2-year-old shot himself in the arm with his father's gun, which was left unattended. The injury is not considered life-threatening.
https://www.wkrn.com/news/police-2-year-old-accidentally-shot-self-with-fathers-gun-in-nashville/
>>July 13, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 14-year-old was unintentionally shot by a younger sibling. A 33-year-old adult has been arrested in connection to the shooting. He was charged with three counts of child neglect, and one count of aggravated child abuse. No other details have been provided.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/07/13/teen-injured-accidental-shooting/
>> July 10, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Injury
Several boys were handling a gun while sitting in a car. A 12-year-old unintentionally pulled the trigger and shot his 15-year-old friend in the chest. The 15-year-old was seriously injured. The 12-year-old has been charged with reckless endangerment. It is not clear how the boys had access to the gun.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/12-year-old-charged-after-teen-shot-in-frayser-neighborhood-police-say/965831077
>> June 24, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
A 4-year-old little boy was shot by his 3-year-old brother while the two were playing with a loaded handgun they found in a drawer. The children's father and the owner of the gun has been charged with reckless homicide.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/06/25/man-arrested-after-toddler-shot-killed-by-year-old-brother/
> June 18, 2019 – Clarksville – Adult – Injury
A Clarksville man was handling a .22 caliber handgun in his home when it fired. The bullet struck a 20-year-old man who was walking past the home in the chest. He was transported o the hospital.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/man-accidentally-shot-outside-clarksville-home/article_67aefd64-921e-11e9-849a-4
>> June 15, 2019 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 17-year-old was handling a gun when it fired, hitting an 18-year-old in the face. Five people were at home at the time, including a grandmother, a woman, and three young men. The teen with the gun ran away. At this time, investigators believe the gunfire was accidental.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/teen-shot-in-the-face-in-accidental-gunfire-at-nashville/article_42061768-8fdb-11e9-9b89-cb044592cec3.html
>> June 11, 2019 – McKenzie – Child – Injury
A juvenile was injured in what police describe as an accidental shooting. No other detail was provided.
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2019/06/11/accidental-shooting-injures-juvenile/
>> June 11, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Injury
An 18-year-old handed a juvenile female a loaded gun to hold for him as he entered an apartment. She unintentionally pulled the trigger and shot herself with it. The 18-year-old was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon.
https://wreg.com/2019/06/12/juvenile-shot-overnight-in-southeast-memphis/
>> June 4, 2019 – Chattanooga – Child – Injury
A mother and her boyfriend were fighting over a phone when they bumped into a dresser, causing a gun to fall to the floor and fire, striking the mother's 9-year-old son in the face. The mother and boyfriend were charged reckless endangerment and aggravated assault
https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/40599883/chattanooga-police-searching-for-answers-after-shooting-of-9yearold-boy
>> May 30, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 9-year-old child was handling a gun when it discharged, grazing his finger. The injury required hospitalization. No word on how he had access to a loaded gun. No charges have been filed.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/child-accidentally-shoots-himself-at-home-ruled-non-critical/953800054
>> May 28, 2019 – Knoxville – Child – Injury
Two juveniles were playing with a gun when it discharged, striking one of the children. The victim was taken to the hospital and seriously hurt, but police do not believe the wounds are life-threatening.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/kpd-child-seriously-hurt-after-he-was-shot-while-playing-with-a-gun/51-43add60a-4065-48d8-a4b1-82f2d48a5865
>> May 25, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
A 7-year-old boy gained access to a loaded gun and unintentionally shot his 9-year-old brother. He was transported to the hospital where he later died. Police are investigating how two kids under the age of 11 had access to a loaded firearm.
https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/police-memphis-boy-dies-after-being-accidentally-shot-by-7-year-old-brother/2029193747
>> May 25, 2019 – Memphis – Child – No Injury
A man left a loaded gun in the gym of a church. A child found the gun, picked it up, and fired it. The gun owners was charged with unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon, prohibited weapons, and reckless endangerment.
https://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/man-charged-after-child-finds-gun-in-a-church-gym-and-accidentally-fires-it/2030098668
> May 22, 2019 – Marion County – Adult – Injury
A Marion County detective was unloading his AR-15 in the Sheriff's Office when it unintentionally fired. A female detective was walking by at the time, and the bullet hit her in the leg. Her injury required surgery and may require additional surgeries.
https://newschannel9.com/news/local/tbi-marion-co-sheriffs-deputy-accidentally-shot-hospitalized-agents-investigating
> May 17, 2019 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A man cleaned his gun earlier in the day and laid it on his bed to dry. Around midnight, he laid down and realized he was on top of the gun. The man was unintentionally shot as he tried to move it from underneath himself. His condition is unknown.
https://wreg.com/2019/05/17/one-person-injured-after-shooting-in-downtown-memphis/
>> May 14, 2019 – Millington – Child – Injury
An 8-year-old game attending a baseball game with his mother found a loaded gun inside a vintage WWII jeep on display at the game as part of Veterans Appreciation Day. He picked it up, believing it to be a toy, and unintentionally shot his mother. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The gun owner has been charged with reckless endangerment.
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2019/05/14/accidental-shooting-usa-stadium-millington-tigers-baseball/3673887002/
>> May 11, 2019 – Jackson – Child – Fatality
A 3-year-old child found a loaded gun in his home and shot himself in the face with it. It was the second time in the past month the child had found a gun in his home. His mother and her roommate have been charged with negligent homicide.
https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2019/05/14/chrisaiah-arrington-jackson-toddler-shoots-self/3664667002/
>> May 11, 2019 – Nashville – Child – Fatality
A 15-year-old was pulling the slide back on a pistol when it discharged. The bullet struck his 16-year-old friend in the head, killing him. The 15-year-old was charged with reckless homicide.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/teen-killed-in-accidental-antioch-shooting-suspect-charged-with-reckless/article_8dddf50a-738b-11e9-b27b-8b84c79f4aa7.html
> April 29, 2019 – Cleveland – Adult – Injury
Police responded to a Target parking lot where they located a 70-year-old man with a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the abdomen. His condition is unknown.
https://newschannel9.com/news/local/cleveland-police-investigate-possible-domestic-related-shooting-monday
>> April 29, 2019 – Jackson – Child – Injury
A 17-year-old was unintentionally shot by a 16-year-old friend who was handling a gun. The victim was last listed in stable condition. It is not clear why the minors had access to the firearm. No arrests have been made.
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2019/05/01/monday-shooting-ruled-accidental/
> April 24, 2019 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
21-year-old Justin Hudgins was trying to show a gun to 24-year-old Andy Thompson when the weapon fired, striking Thompson. Thompson was taken to UT Medical Center to be treated for serious injury. Hudgins was charged with Aggravated Assault and Reckless Endangerment.
https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Knoxville-man-hospitalized-after-accidental-shooting-509111171.html
> April 15, 2019 – Etowah – Adult – Death
Deputies were called to the Starr Athens Hospital on a report of an accidental shooting. Casey Daugherty, 32, died from her injuries. No other details were provided. It is not clear who pulled the trigger.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/sheriff-etowah-woman-died-of-gunshot-wound/51-535dc82b-d62f-4294-b6c9-a7f9883f2fbd
> April 9, 2019 – Clarksville – Adult – Injury
An 18-year-old was shot in the face by an acquaintance who was handling a gun. Initially she told police that she was shot in a drive by shooting, but investigators determined that she was not being truthful. She has been charged with filing a false police report.
https://clarksvillenow.com/local/police-say-woman-shot-in-face-lied-about-drive-by-shooting/
> March 28, 2019 – Hermitage – Adult – Injury
A man picked up a gun and, without checking to see if it was loaded, pointed at his friend's leg and pulled the trigger. The victim was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries and the shooter was charged with reckless endangerment.
https://www.wkrn.com/news/crime-tracker/man-accused-in-accidental-shooting-of-friend-in-hermitage/1885665980
>> March 24, 2019 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 4-year-old found a gun under a bed in the home, began playing with it and unintentionally fired it. He was grazed by the bullet. The boy was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. No changes have been filed.
https://wreg.com/2019/03/24/police-4-year-old-grazed-by-bullet-after-playing-with-gun/
Memphis police are investigating after a juvenile shot himself in the leg. It is not clear how he got ahold of the gun or what happened before the trigger was pulled.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/juvenile-shoots-himself-in-leg-police-investigating/932260759
>> February 18, 2019 – Jackson – Child – Injury
A 16-year-old was unintentionally shot by a juvenile relative. The victims injuries were serious. He was last listed in critical conditions. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2019/02/19/16-year-old-critical-after-accidental-shooting-in-east-jackson/
> February 16, 2019 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
A Tennessee State Trooper was handling his weapon when there was an "accidental discharge." The trooper was off-duty when the shooting happened. The injury is not life-threatening.
https://www.wate.com/news/tennessee/thp-trooper-accidentally-shot-himself/1787884306
> February 11, 2019 – Chattanooga – Adult – Injury
A man was cleaning his gun in his car when the gun discharged and struck him the hand. The bullet that was fired was a hollow point and did significant damage. His condition is unknown.
https://wdef.com/2019/02/11/man-shoots-cleaning-gun-construction-site/
> January 19, 2019 – Sullivan County – Adult – Injury
An intoxicated man claimed someone shot him in the leg as he was exiting his vehicle. However, investigators discovered the man had been carrying the gun in his pocket when it discharged.
http://www.timesnews.net/Law-Enforcement/2019/01/23/Police-probe-Hickory-Tree-shooting-claim.html
>> January 10, 2019 – Nashville – Child – Fatality
A 16-year-old unintentionally shot himself in the hip and did not survive. There is no word on how the teen had access to the gun. Police are investigating. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/teen-dies-after-accidental-shooting-at-madison-apartment-complex/article_12732236-151d-11e9-8bc9-9f82d02e48f8.html
UNINTENTIONAL SHOOTINGS TRACKED IN 2018
Unintentional shootings involving children resulting in injury: 17*
Unintentional shootings involving adults resulting in injury: 19*
*Incidents on September 3rd and 25th both resulted in two injuries. September 3rd incident injured the adult shooter and a teenage neighbor/ September 25th incident injured two adults
> December 20, Memphis – Adult – Fatality
A 19-year-old man was showing a 19-year-old female friend how to disassemble a gun when he unintentionally fired it. The bullet struck the female in the chest and killed her. He attempted to hide the gun. He has been charged with reckless homicide and tampering with evidence.
https://wreg.com/2018/12/21/man-charged-after-deadly-shooting-at-peppertree-apartments/
A man allegedly accidentally shot his brother after he moved a gun, which was making him uncomfortable in the position he was sitting, while in a car in Southeast Memphis. When the man got out of the vehicle, he grabbed his gun, causing the weapon to fire and strike his brother, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. The man arrested on a charge of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon after admitting to his part in the incident.
https://wreg.com/2018/12/14/man-repositions-gun-making-him-uncomfortable-accidentally-shoots-brother/
> December 10, 2018 – Nashville – Adult – Fatality
A 21-year-old man was handling a semi-automatic pistol when it discharged. His 26-year-old brother was struck in the chest. He was transported to the hospital where he later died.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/12/10/nashville-police-respond-accidental-double-shooting-antioch/2267124002/
> December 2, 2018 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A 21-year-old was critically injured after an unintentional shooting Sunday in Germantown. No other information is available.
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2018/12/03/germantown-accidental-shooting/2191250002/
>> November 24, 2019 – Knoxville – Injury
A 17-year-old was brandishing a gun in a car with his friends when it fired, shooting a 15-year-old boy. The 17-year-old alleged shooter faces charges of aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. The 18-year-old driver of the car was also charged with one felony count of tampering with evidence.
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2018/11/27/teen-charged-north-knox-shooting-similar-thanksgiving-day-incident/2125010002/
> November 22, 2018 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
An 18-year-old passenger in the front seat of a car was unintentionally shot in the abdomen by an 18-year-old passenger in the backseat. The men were charged for a series of burglaries, but not for the shooting.
https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/gunshot-wound-victim-shows-up-to-children-s-hospital-kpd-investigating-shooting/1613234899
> November 21, 2018 – Ooltewah – Adult – Injury
A man shot himself in the foot while cleaning his gun. His injures were not life threatening.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/39522126/ooltewah-man-shoots-self-in-foot–cleaning-gun
> November 9, 2018 – Putnam County – Adult – Fatality
A 19-year-old was killed in what authorities was an accidental shooting. No other details were provided.
https://fox17.com/news/local/teen-dead-in-apparent-accidental-shooting-in-putnam-county
>> October 21, 2018 – Lawrence County – Child – Fatality
A 10-year-old girl was shot in the head by her twin brother Sunday in Lawrence County as the two sat in a car outside a dollar store. The girl was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she is in critical condition. Police are investigating whether another adult was in the car. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/year-old-girl-dies-after-accidental-shooting-in-lawrence-county/article_b9be7dc0-d575-11e8-bb15-77253a206d86.html
> October 18, 2018 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
Police said a driver had an unintentional self-inflicted gunshot wound and was driving to the hospital when he crashed into a utility pole.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/police-find-gunshot-victim-while-investigating-car-crash-in-north/article_53a42926-d2ab-11e8-9371-83d1eec5e225.html
>> October 4, 2018 – Henderson – Child – Injury
Police arrived at the scene of a shooting where a 15-year-old girl had been "struck with a bullet." Investigators are calling the incident an accidental shooting. The girl was airlifted to Le Bonheur. There is no word on the girl's current condition, and the investigation is ongoing.
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2018/10/05/police-say-accidental-shooting-injured-henderson-teen/
>> October 4, 2018 – Memphis – Child – Injury
Memphis Police Department is investigating after a child was shot Thursday evening. The victim was rushed to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. The child's age and condition are unknown at this time.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2018/10/04/child-taken-hospital-after-shooting/
>> September 30, 2018 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
A 3-year-old was killed when the loaded gun his father was handling fired and struck the toddler. The father was charged with reckless homicide and aggravated child neglect.
https://wreg.com/2018/10/05/father-charged-after-gun-goes-off-killing-3-year-old/
> September 25, 2018 – Memphis – Injuries
Two people were injured in what authorities call an accidental shooting. The victims were last reported to be in stable condition. The circumstances of the shooting were not made available.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2018/09/25/accidental-shooting-leaves-people-injured/
September 3, 2018 – Whitwell – Adult and Child – Injuries
A 24-year-old man was watching football and handling a gun when it discharged. The man was injured and the bullet traveled through a wall where it injured a teenage girl in an adjoining room. The man was charged with multiple offenses.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/39014808/an-accidental-shooting-sends-one-to-the-hospital-and-the-other-to-jail
>> August 31, 2018 – Coffee County – Child – Fatality
A 17-year-old was at home with his siblings and grandfather and was "playing" with a gun when he unintentionally shot himself in the head. He was transported to Unity Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
https://www.manchestertimes.com/news/local/coffee-county-senior-dies-after-accidentally-shooting-self-authorities-say/article_1c8e9390-adee-11e8-a1d1-97fdd46301cd.html
> August 21, 2018 – Clarksville – Adult – Fatality
47-year-old Kelly Thomas was moving a handgun to another location when he inadvertently discharged it around 1:15 a.m. The bullet hit 18-year-old Mason Sandoval, who was visiting the home and was in the same room. Sandoval was taken to Tennova Medical Center, where was he was pronounced dead. Police said charges have not been filed at this time.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/year-old-killed-in-accidental-shooting-in-clarksville/article_d9c62ea4-a7b9-11e8-86ad-ffe4a8457c95.html
>> August 19, 2018 – Clarksville – Child – Fatality
Two 18-year-old girls and a 17-year-old boy were playing with a gun. One of the girls believed the gun was unloaded and pointed it at the boy and pulled the trigger. The boy was killed. The girls attempted to hide the gun and have been charged.
https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/2018/08/20/2-women-charged-in-fatal-shooting-of-tennessee-teen/
>> August 8, 2018 – LaFollette – Child – Fatality
A 10-year-old unintentionally shot his 9-year-old sister in the head while the two were sitting in a car in a shopping center parking lot. She was flown to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/victim-injured-in-accidental-shooting-at-lafollette-shopping-center/1355445963
>> August 4, 2018 – Dover – Child – Fatality
An adult family member was either cleaning the gun or clearing the chamber when the gun fired, striking a 5-year-old girl in the shoulder. She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. No charges have been filed.
https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/stewart-houston/news/2018/08/08/stewart-county-5-year-old-girl-dies-accidental-shooting/939576002/
> July 31, 2018 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
A Murfreesboro Police officer unintentionally shot himself in the leg while executing a search warrant at a home. He was taken to Vanderbilt and was last reported to be in stable condition.
https://www.dnj.com/story/news/2018/07/31/murfreesboro-police-officer-shot-leg-fellow-detective/875768002/
A 3-year-old found a loaded gun in his home and unintentionally shot his mother's boyfriend in the back with it.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/07/25/nashville-3-year-old-boy-shot-mothers-boyfriend-police-probe/838531002/
> July 19, 2018 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
A man was in his vehicle unloading his firearm outside a motel room he was sharing with his wife when the gun fired, sending a bullet into the room and striking his wife. The man initially lied about what happened. The shooting was ruled an accident.
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2018/07/20/stray-bullet-strikes-woman-north-knox-motel-police-husband-accidental-shooting/805721002/
A man who had been removed from a nightclub was involved in an altercation with a security guard when a handgun fell to the ground. The gun was picked up and was accidentally discharged during the altercation, striking the victim. No charges will be placed in this incident at this time according to KPD.
https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/accidental-shooting-outside-knoxville-bar/1302555059
> July 12, 2018 – Ashland City – Adult – Injury
A 66-year-old pastor was visiting a friend who has a gun range on his property. As he was putting his gun back in the holster, it discharged, causing a gunshot wound to his leg. He was transported by helicopter to Vanderbilt and is expected to live.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/cheatham/2018/07/12/joelton-pastor-life-flighted-after-accidental-gunshot-wound/780425002/
> July 7, 2018 – Bolivar – Adult – No injury
An off-duty sheriff's deputy was in a convenience store and showing his personal firearm to the clerk when it discharged into the ground. The clerk was told not to tell anyone about the incident. The sheriff said the deputy "learned his lesson." The deputy had several reprimands for issues like not showing up to court for two subpoenas, and not filing an arrest warrant in time, causing the court to have to drop a domestic violence case.
https://wreg.com/2018/07/16/caught-on-camera-hardeman-county-deputys-gun-goes-off-in-convenience-store/
>> July 4, 2018 – Morristown – Child – Injury
A 15-year-old girl was visiting a home when she found a .380 handgun, unintentionally discharged it, and hit an 18-year-old man in the neck. His injuries were not life-threatening. The girl fled and was later charged with reckless endangerment. It is not clear who the gun belonged to or why it was left unsecured.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/crime/teen-accused-of-reckless-endangerment-after-accidental-shooting-in-morristown/51-570767141
> July 1, 2018 – East Brained – Adult – Fatality
A 29-year-old man handling his AR-15 grew frustrated with his dog. As he yelled at it and kicked it, he discharged the rifle, sending a round through a wall and into the head of his 25-year-old girlfriend, an army reservist, who did not survive. She was holding her 7-month-old baby at the time of the shooting. He was charged with criminally negligent homicide.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/2018/7/3/371316/East-Brainerd-Woman-Dies-As-Shot-From.aspx
A 16-year-old found a gun in a park and unintentionally shot himself with it. He initially told authorities he'd been shot in a robbery but later confessed that he'd found a gun and been playing with it when it discharged. No word on who the gun belonged to or why it was left in a park.
https://patch.com/tennessee/antioch-south-nashville/teen-claiming-be-shot-hold-actually-shot-himself-police
> June 30, 2018 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
A 27-year-old man unintentionally shot himself in the thigh with his pistol. He was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center for his injuries.
http://fox17.com/news/local/man-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-bellevue
> June 28, 2018 – Lexington – Adult – Injury
A female gun permit holder carrying a gun inside a Lexington Walmart dropped it as she was trying to get a buggy. The impact caused the gun to discharge. The bullet struck the ground, sending fragments into the air and into the woman's leg.
https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2018/06/29/woman-injured-when-gun-goes-off-lexington-wal-mart/747239002/
A man and a friend were handling a gun "when it accidentally went off" and struck the man. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital and is expected to survive. No word on whether or not charges will be filed.
https://www.wkrn.com/news/police-man-accidentally-shot-in-arm-at-antioch-home/1245914113
>> June 17, 2018 – Knox County – Adult – Injury
A 13-year-old and a 16-year-old were target shooting with a .22-rifle in a backyard when a bullet fired by the younger child struck a 63-year-old neighbor who was driving a golf cart nearby in the stomach. The 13-year-old is now in custody. It is not clear why was a 13-year-old was allowed to target shoot without adult supervision or who the rifle belongs to.
https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/knox-county-teen-in-custody-after-hitting-woman-with-bullet-in-stomach/1245612322
A 12-year-old girl has died after she was shot with an unsecured gun while inside her parent's SUV at a Frayser apartment complex. It is not yet clear whether the girl unintentionally shot herself or if she was shot by another child that was in the car.
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/crime/2018/06/12/11-year-old-girl-fights-life-after-shot-frayser-apartment/693688002/
>> June 9, 2018 – Claiborne County – Child – Injury
A 2-year-old shot himself in the head in Clairborne county. The toddler was airlifted to the hospital and underwent surgery. No charges will be filed.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/no-charges-pending-for-parents-of-boy-shot-in-the-head-boy-doing-fine-claiborne-co-sheriff-says/51-562862239
> June 9, 2018 – Henry County – Child – Injury
A 9-year-old boy was unintentionally shot in the stomach while practice shooting with his dad. The father and son were target shooting when the gun stopped working. The boy was shot while they were trying to repair the firearm. His condition is unknown.
http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/2018/06/09/boy-accidentally-shot-while-target-shooting-with-father/
A family member unintentionally shot a 2-year-old little girl. She was taken to the hospital and last listed in critical condition. No one has been charged.
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2018/05/25/fire-department-2-year-old-shot/644331002/
> May 19, 2018 – Parrottsville – Adult – Injury
An 18-year-old was shot in the back when a 19-year-old under the influence of drugs was handling a firearm. A 14-year-old was also present at the time of the shooting. The three were in a vehicle together. Authorities found a Hi-Point 9mm handgun, a bottle of liquid codeine, 16 Alprazolam pills, and a large set of scales. The serial number of the gun had been filed down. The 19-year-old was charged with multiple crimes including possession of a handgun while under the influence.
https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/greene-county-man-charged-in-parrottsville-shooting/article_c70b22bb-8916-5008-8dc4-4528e5bd79b1.html
>> May 18, 2018 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 10-year-old was injured when his father unintentionally shot him. The father indicated he had dropped what he thought was an unloaded gun on Friday night. When he picked it up, the gun discharged and the child was struck in the abdomen. His injuries are described as critical.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/38232333/shooting-of-10-year-old-boy-investigated-in-tennessee
A 10-year-old who was shot in a Memphis park was unintentionally shot by a 15-year-old. The teen pulled out the gun and it discharged. The 10-year-old's injuries are not life threatening. The teen has been charged with reckless endangerment and possession of a handgun by a juvenile.
http://wreg.com/2018/05/16/police-juvenile-shot-in-cherokee-park-one-suspect-detained/
> May 13, 2018 – Memphis – Adult – Fatality
Several friends were "gun playing" when one of them was unintentionally shot. The friends drove the victim to the hospital, but he did not survive. The man who fired the gun has been charged with reckless homicide.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/man-charged-with-shooting-killing-friend/749122690
>> May 11, 2018 – Sequatchie County – Child – No injury
A 5-year-old boy in Sequatchie County got a loaded, unsecured pistol from his mother's car Friday morning and, while playing with a younger child in his front yard, fired the pistol twice into the ground and then dropped the gun. The mother was home at the time but not supervising the children Police do not plan to charge the mother. http://wcyb.com/news/local/report-5-year-old-tennessee-boy-takes-moms-pistol-fires-two-shots
> April 19, 2018 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 17-year-old girl was playing basketball with some unknown men behind Westside Middle School last Thursday when she asked to borrow one of the men's guns. While playing with the gun in her car, police said she accidentally shot herself. Her injuries were not life threatening. The gun owners retrieved the gun and ran before police arrived.
http://wreg.com/2018/04/20/girl-shoots-herself-playing-with-gun-in-park-behind-middle-school/
> April 14, 2018 – Cookeville – Adult – Injury
28-year-old Jared Sidwell was cleaning a .40 caliber handgun Friday when it accidentally discharged. The bullet passed through Sidwell's left hand and shot 30-year-old Jeremy Sidwell in the right arm. Both men were taken to the hospital. No charges were filed.
http://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/police-2-men-injured-after-accidental-shooting/1121779996
> April 1, 2018 – Goodlettsville – Adult – Injury
A man accidentally shot himself in the leg while driving on the interstate Sunday night. Police say the victim of the accidental shooting was a passenger in the vehicle. Police closed down the roadway for just over an hour to investigate what happened, causing major delays. The man was transported to Skyline Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/37856209/police-man-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-leg-on-nashville-interstate
> March 12, 2018 – Clarksville – Adult – Fatality
A man in his 20s was showing a rifle to a family member when it discharged. Police said neither party knew the gun was still loaded. The man was standing in front of the rifle when the trigger was pulled, resulting in a deadly gunshot wound.
http://fox17.com/news/local/young-man-killed-in-accidental-shooting-in-clarksville
A juvenile had a gun and accidentally shot another juvenile. The child who was shot has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. Investigators are still working to determine how the juvenile got the gun.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2018/02/22/juvenile-injured-accidental-shooting-jackson/
>> February 15, 2018 – Humboldt – Child – Injury
A 15-year-old was playing with a gun when it discharged, hitting his 14-year-old friend. The 15-year-old, from Humboldt, has been charged with reckless aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. No word on how the boys had access to a loaded firearm.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2018/02/16/15-year-old-charged-accidental-shooting-humboldt/
>> February 7, 2018 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 19-year-old and 15-year-old were "play fighting" with a loaded gun when the gun discharged, striking the younger teen. The victim was taken to the hospital where he died. The 19-year-old has been charged with criminal homicide.
http://wkrn.com/2018/02/07/15-year-old-shot-seriously-injured-in-east-nashville/
>> January 25, 2018 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 17-year-old boy was in critical condition after he was shot in the head while he and friends were playing with a gun inside E's 24-Hour Cafe in Midtown Memphis. Police later charged 21-year-old Sherman Lackland with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a weapon.
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/crime/2018/01/25/17-year-old-shot-head-while-playing-gun-midtown-restaurant-memphis-police-say/1064685001/
> January 13, 2018 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
Someone was injured in what Knoxville Police describe as an accidental shooting. The victim was transported to the hospital. Police detained another person for questioning.
http://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/kpd-investigates-shooting-in-northeast-knoxville-neighborhood/51-507851041
> January 1, 2018 – Knoxville – Adult – Fatality
A man was playing with a handgun in a car when the gun was unintentionally fired. The bullet struck another passenger, a 27-year-old mother of four, killing her. The shooter has been charged with reckless homicide and violating probation.
http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2018/01/05/new-years-day-homicide-victim-accidentally-shot-back-near-market-square/1007309001/
>> Total unintentional shootings involving children: 39
Unintentional shootings involving children resulting in death: 16
> Total unintentional shootings involving adults: 41
Unintentional shootings involving adults resulting in death: 10
* The single shooting incidents on May 19 and November 16 resulted in two individuals being unintentionally shot and injured.
> December 16, 2017 – Loudon County – Adult – Injury
At a Loudon County gun show, a vendor was attempting to clear a 12 gauge shotgun when it discharged. One pellet hit the ground and ricocheted off and struck another vendor in the neck. Officials said the victim's injuries do not appear to be life threatening. No charges have been filed.
http://www.local8now.com/content/news/Man-shot-at-Loudon-County-gun-show-464603173.html
> December 14, 2017 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
An 18-year-old who was a passenger in a vehicle unintentionally shot himself in the thigh. An investigation discovered three guns in the car, all of which had been stolen from a Rutherford County gun store. The 18-year-old was a felon and a prohibited purchaser. He was charged with theft and being a felon in possession of a handgun.
https://www.newschannel5.com/news/teen-charged-after-accidentally-shooting-himself
>> December 14, 2017 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A toddler was unintentionally shot by his father when the father got into an altercation with the mother's current boyfriend during a custody exchange. The child suffered a minor gunshot wound to the leg.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/37073337/toddler-grazed-by-bullet-during-argument
>> December 5, 2017 – Lawrenceberg – Child – Fatality
16-year-old Holly Collum was fatally shot by an 18-year-old friend who was playing with a gun while the two were at a friend's house. Police recovered two firearms at the residence. The 18-year-old has been charged with reckless homicide.
http://fox17.com/news/local/a-teenage-girl-shot-dead-in-lawrenceburg
A 13-year-old boy was at a friend's house playing basketball when he was unintentionally shot and killed. His 13-year-old friend was charged with reckless homicide. No adults have been charged. No word on who the gun belonged to or why that person was not charged.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36926363/13-year-old-killed-in-shooting-friend-in-custody
> November 16, 2017 – Memphis – Adult – Injuries
During a church luncheon, a group was discussing carrying guns in church. A man in his 80s told everyone he carried his gun everywhere. As he was showing the gun off, he pulled the trigger, not realizing he had chambered a round. The bullet went through his hand and into his wife's abdomen, injuring them both. No charges will be filed. The man was a gun permit holder and will be allowed to keep his permit.
http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2017/11/16/man-accidentally-shoots-himself-wife-church-during-discussion-church-shootings/872374001/
>> November 12, 2017 – Desden – Child – Fatality
A sixth grader was fatally shot while at a friend's house. The boys were in the living room when a pistol went off, killing the victim. It is not clear who pulled the trigger or how the boys had access to the gun. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wenkwtpr.com/2017/11/13/dresden-6th-grader-killed-in-accidental-shooting/
A man laid an infant and his gun on a bed and left them unattended. The 3-year-old sibling of the infant found the gun and discharged it, killing the baby. The gun owner took his gun and ran but later turned himself in. He was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and tampering with evidence.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36813231/infant-shot-in-critical-condition
> November 9, 2017 – Nashville – Adult – Fatality
A 20-year-old man was unintentionally shot and killed by a close friend. The shooter was handling a gun he thought was unloaded. He pulled the trigger and the weapon fired, hitting his friend in the head. No charges were filed.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/36810750/man-dies-in-apparent-unintentional-shooting
>> November 7, 2017 – Knoxville – Child – Injury
A 16-year-old was in a car with friends and unintentionally shot himself He was taken to the hospital in serious condition. It is not clear why the teen had a loaded gun. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wbir.com/article/news/crime/teen-injured-in-accidental-shooting-near-west-town-mall/51-490079957
> October 28, 2017 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
A woman was shot in the leg on Boxwood Drive. Police report that it was unintentional and that there will be no charges filed. It was not clear whether the woman shot herself or was shot by another person.
http://wate.com/2017/10/28/knoxville-police-respond-to-reports-of-a-shooting-on-oak-valley-drive/
>> October 23, 2017 – Springfield – Child – Injury
A teenager and her friends were at a Sonic Drive-In when she heard a shot and realized she had been shot in the chest. Investigators report that one of her friends was playing with a loaded revolver when it unintentionally discharged. No word on whether charges will be filed or why the teenager had access to a loaded handgun.
http://wkrn.com/2017/10/22/springfield-teenager-injured-in-accidental-shooting/
> October 18, 2017 – Jackson – Adult – Injury
A Jackson police officer was accidentally shot Wednesday by another officer during quarterly firearms training. The officer was airlifted to Memphis in stable condition, treated, and later released.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2017/10/18/jackson-police-officer-injured-accidental-shooting/
>> October 18, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 15-year-old girl was unintentionally shot in the mouth and critically injured by her brother. Police say the girl's brother asked to see her boyfriend's pistol and put his finger on the trigger not knowing the safety was off. The bullet went through the house's front door, hitting the teen's 15-year-old sister in the mouth. The teenage boy was taken into custody.
http://wreg.com/2017/10/18/teen-playing-with-gun-shoots-his-sister-in-the-face/
A man mistook his roommate for an intruder and shot him multiple times. The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
http://wkrn.com/2017/10/15/hermitage-man-critically-shoots-roommate-police-say-he-thought-it-was-an-intruder/
>> October 13, 2017 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 14-year-old boy unintentionally shot himself in the upper thigh. Authorities said it appeared the boy had been playing with the gun when it discharged.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/juvenile-injured-in-reported-accidental-shooting
> October 11, 2017 – Sevierville – Adult – Injury
A 15-year-old boy was unintentionally shot in the neck with an AR-15 style rifle by an 18-year-old. Two other adults were also present. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/sevierville-pd-15-year-old-shot-in-neck-with-ar-15-style-rifle/482587674
> October 10, 2017 – Clarksville – Adult – Fatality
A 24-year-old man was cleaning his Glock when it discharged, striking a 19-year-old friend in the torso, killing him.
http://fox17.com/news/local/young-man-accidentally-shoots-kills-19-year-old-in-clarksville
> October 8, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
An 8-year-old boy fatally shot himself with a loaded gun his father had placed under some covers on a bed near the boy and another child. The father was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/man-charged-in-deadly-accidental-shooting-of-8-year-old-boy-sunday/795133604
> October 7, 2017 – Nashville – Adult – Fatality
An 18-year-old was eating breakfast when the gun in his pocket fell to the ground and discharged, shooting him in the chest and killing him.
http://fox17.com/news/local/man-dies-in-east-nashville-accidental-shooting
> October 5, 2017 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
An corrections officer is being treated after she unintentionally shot herself in the leg during firearms training near Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/36532207/tdoc-officer-shot-herself-in-leg-at-gun-range-near-prison
> October 4, 2017 – Cookeville – Child – Injury
A 16-year-old was injured from what's reported to be an unintentional gunshot wound to the leg. No word on who shot the teen, the type of gun, or who the gun belonged to.
http://herald-citizen.com/stories/teen-injured-in-reported-accidental-shooting,23603
A 20-year-old man was standing by a vehicle and decided to remove his Smith and Wesson from his holster before going upstairs to an apartment. In doing so, he fired a single shot hitting an 18-year-old woman sitting in the passenger's seat of the vehicle in the neck. He admitted to accidentally shooting the woman and having some beer before the incident. He was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a handgun while intoxicated.
http://wreg.com/2017/09/18/shooting-at-edgewater-apartments-critically-injures-18-year-old-woman/
> September 11, 2017 – Clarksville – Adult – Fatality
Police said a man in his 70s with a valid Tennessee gun permit entered a Clarksville restaurant Monday morning. As he was moving to sit down on a stool, he dropped a cloth bag that was in his hand to the floor. When the bag dropped, a loaded gun that was in the bag discharged. He was struck in the abdomen and taken to the hospital in critical condition. He later died.
http://clarksvillenow.com/local/man-accidentally-shot-in-restaurant-when-firearm-discharges/
>> September 6, 2017 – Hixson – Child – Injury
While left unsupervised with a loaded gun, a 3-year-old child unintentionally shot themselves. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. No word on whether charges will be filed.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/36305905/hamilton-co-sheriffs-office-investigating-shooting-in-hixson
>> September 5, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 11-year old boy found a gun at his bus stop, picked it up and unintentionally shot himself in the hand.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2017/09/05/police-respond-to-child-shooting-memphis/632381001/
>> September 2, 2017 – Springfield – Fatality
A 17-year-old boy unintentionally and fatally shot himself in a vehicle. Police report he died of a single gunshot from a semi-automatic handgun. The magazine had been removed but there was still a bullet in the chamber. No charges have been filed.
http://smokeybarn.com/springfield-police-teens-shooting-death-ruled-accidental/
An 8-year-old boy shot himself in his home. The boy's father had placed a loaded handgun on a bed near the victim and another child. The victim was taken the hospital where he later died. The father was later arrested after marijuana was found in the home.
http://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/8-year-old-child-dead-after-shooting-in-southeast-memphis/595642288
A 4-year-old boy in Memphis shot himself and was in very critical condition. He was taken to the hospital and died soon after. The boy's father was charged with reckless homicide.
http://wreg.com/2017/08/19/self-inflicted-gun-shot-leaves-toddler-in-critical-condition/
>> August 19, 2017 – Clarksville – Adult – Fatality
A distraught 18-year-old man fatally shot himself after unintentionally shooting and killing his 18-year-old friend.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/36191068/police-man-accidentally-kills-friend-then-kills-himself
> August 19, 2017 – Elizabethton – Adult – Injury
A 39-year-old woman was target practicing with a black Savage .22-caliber rifle in her backyard. When she finished, she lowered the rifle while she still had her finger on the trigger. The trigger was pulled and she shot herself in the foot.
http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/law-enforcement/2017/08/21/Two-hurt-in-separate-Carter-County-shooting-incidents.html?ci=stream&lp=4&p=1
> August 18, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 4-year-old chid was home with two other children and their father when she picked up a gun and shot herself with it. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No word on how she accessed the gun or if charges will be filed.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36170855/girl-4-critical-after-accidental-shooting-on-egan-drive
> August 7, 2017 – Murfreesboro – Adult – No Injury
A man playing video game w/loaded AR15 in lap unintentionally fired it, sent bullet into his 75-year-old neighbor's apartment.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/man-plays-video-game-with-loaded-gun-on-his-lap-it-fires-into-neighbors-apartment
> August 4, 2017 – Talbot's Corner – Adult – Fatality
A man was killed in a reported unintentional shooting in the Talbot's Corner neighborhood. At least three to four young people who were inside the home have been questioned by police. The shooting remains under investigation.
http://wkrn.com/2017/08/04/police-investigate-shooting-at-home-in-talbots-corner/
> July 30, 2017 – Chattanooga – Adult – Injury
Police responded to a call of a person shot. Upon arriving, they discovered the injured person had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Their injury was not life-threatening.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/36005595/chattanooga-police-investigating-shooting-on-e-36th-street
> July 22, 2017 – Memphis – Adult – Fatality
Police responded to a call of a person who had been shot. Upon arriving, the found a deceased 25-year-old. A person told officers the had shot himself accidentally, according to police.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/crime/2017/07/22/man-dies-after-reported-accidental-shooting-frayser/502411001/
> July 17, 2017 – Jackson – Adult – Injury
A 20-year-old was unintentionally shot in a car. He was transported to the hospital in the vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries.
http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/crime/2017/07/18/police-investigating-accidental-shooting-monday-night/487601001/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
> July 13, 2017 – Watauga – Adult – Injury
A 28-year-old man was fishing with a friend. He had placed his 45-caliber pistol in a dry bag and "accidentally discharged." He said he did not know what caused the gun to go off. The bullet went through the man's arm and penetrated his leg. He was rushed to the hospital.
http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Fishing/2017/07/13/Fisherman-accidentally-shoots-himself
>> July 8, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
A 3-year-old gained access to his father's loaded, unsecured gun and fatally shot himself with it. The father kept the gun in a case, but the 3-year-old was still able to pick up the gun and pull the trigger. No word on whether charges will be fired.
http://wreg.com/2017/07/08/a-3-year-old-accidentally-shoots-himself-officials-say/
>> July 8, 2017 – Greeneville – Child – Fatality
A 17-year-old was holding a gun in his home when it unintentionally discharged and killed him.
http://wjhl.com/2017/07/09/17-year-old-dies-after-accidental-shooting-in-greene-county/
>> July 7, 2017 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 15-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the foot with a shotgun. Witnesses report that other teens were present. The boy was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
http://wkrn.com/2017/07/07/nashville-teenager-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-foot/
>> July 5, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 12-year-old girl and her 11-year-old brother were playing with a gun at their home. The boy unintentionally fired a shot, hitting his sister in the leg. She was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No word on whether charges will be filed.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35818513/brother-accidentally-shoots-12-year-old-sister-in-leg
> June 27, 2017 – Jackson – Adult – Injury
The Jackson Police Department is investigated an accidental shooting that occurred on Roosevelt Parkway. One man limped to the ambulance, which he boarded without assistance.
http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2016/06/27/police-investigate-accidental-shooting/86453872/
>> June 24, 2017 – Old Hickory – Child – Fatality
A 19-year-old man was with other teens and handling a pistol. While he as holding the gun, it discharged and fatally injured one of the other teens, a 14-year-old boy. The 19-year-old initially lied to police. He has been charged with criminal homicide.
http://fox17.com/news/local/gun-in-hands-of-teen-discharges-killing-another-teen
> June 23, 2017 – Hamilton County – Adult – Injury
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to a report of a person shot late Friday afternoon. It was determined that the shooting was accidental. The victim is stable with non-life threatening injuries.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/2017/6/23/350363/Hamilton-County-Sheriff-s-Deputies.aspx
> June 23, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 14-year-old child unintentionally shot himself just after midnight Friday morning, according to Memphis Police Department. The child was taken to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in non-critical condition.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35732981/child-shot-near-covington-pike-stage-road
> June 22, 2017 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A 28-year-old took a friend's phone and the two were play fighting when his handgun accidentally went off in his shorts. He was taken to the hospital but is expected to be OK.
http://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/one-shot-after-gun-accidentally-goes-off-in-mans-shorts/537429039
A 15-year-old unintentionally shot himself at a house. His condition is unknown.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35717755/mpd-teen-accidentally-shoots-self-at-whitehaven-home
A 16-year-old was unintentionally shot by his 18-year-old brother inside the home where the two reside. The 16-year-old was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The 18-year-old was detained by police. No word on the younger child's condition or if any charges have been filed.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35682045/teen-accidentally-shot-by-brother
> June 13, 2017 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
A 74-year-old man thought he heard a noise at his back door. He grabbed his Smith and Wesson .454, which was cocked. When he went to uncock the weapon, it reported discharged. A round struck the man in the knee, causing extensive damage.
http://www.wgnsradio.com/accidental-shooting-on-todd-court-cms-39935
>> June 5, 2017 – Nashville – Child – Fatality
A 2-year-old unintentionally shot their 7-year-old cousin. The girl was taken to the hospital where she passed away. Police have not yet indicated whether charges will be filed.
http://wkrn.com/2017/06/06/police-toddler-shoots-cousin-inside-home-south-of-downtown/
> June 2, 2017 – Ooltewah – Adult – Injury
An Oolteah man unintentionally shot himself in the leg and had to be taken to the hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/2017/6/2/349184/Man-Accidentally-Shoots-Himself-In-The.aspx
> May 22, 2017 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
An 18-year-old man told police that he started running after hearing gunshots and was struck in the foot. Upon investigation, police detectives determined Fuller was struck in a self-inflicted gunshot, believed to be an accidental shooting. Police say the man could face charges for filing a false police report.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/35487869/man-accidentally-shoots-self-claimed-he-was-shot-at-party-at-murfreesboro-apartments
> May 19, 2017 – Nashville – Adult(s) – Injury
Police said a 45-year-old and 47-year-old both suffered minor injuries in an accidental shooting at the nRange gun store. They were reportedly hit by a buckshot.
http://fox17.com/news/local/two-people-shot-inside-madison-gun-store
A man was bathing his children around 2am. He took the 1-year-old out and placed him on a bed and left the room, The child found a loaded gun and fired it, grazing his face.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/35448327/toddler-shot-in-face-at-east-nashville-apartment
> May 17, 2017 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
Berry Hill police responded to a report of a person injured in a shooting in the Melrose area of Nashville. Police later said the shooting appeared to be self-inflicted.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2017/05/17/berry-hill-police-respond-report-shooting-near-melrose-area/329017001/
A 3-year-old child was staying with a man and his wife when he found a loaded, unsecured gun in a bedroom and fired it, striking himself in the foot.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/report-of-shooting-prompts-heavy-police-response
A Memphis man admitted to police that he was trying to see what was wrong with his gun when he accidentally shot and killed his companion. The shooter, Hector Rostro, said he threw the gun into the woods after the shooting. The shooter was charged with reckless homicide.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35460439/man-charged-after-accidental-homicide
>> May 5, 2017 – Chattanooga – Child – Injury
A 10-year-old boy was playing with his parent's 9mm Glock handgun as he talked to a friend on his computer when he discharged the gun and shot himself in the arm.
http://newschannel9.com/news/local/police-report-10-year-old-accidentally-shot-himself-with-his-parents-gun
> May 3, 2017 – Clarksville – Adult & Child – Injury
A 3-year-old girl and 27-year-old man were both injured in what investigators believe was an unintentional discharge.
http://fox17.com/news/local/3-year-old-girl-man-injured-in-clarksville-accidental-shooting
> April 16, 2017 – Mt. Juliet – Adult – Injury
On Easter Sunday at Gladeville Baptist Church, a gun owner, who has a gun permit, had the gun in his pocket. When he sat down, it discharged and a bullet went into the floor.
http://wkrn.com/2017/04/16/gun-goes-off-in-wilson-county-church-before-easter-service/
>> April 14, 2017 – Memphis – Child – Injury
Four boys, two brothers, and two cousins were home alone when they found a small-caliber handgun. The 13-year-old boy started playing with the gun and accidentally shot his 12-year-old cousin. The gun was left unsecured, and there were no parents at home.
http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/shelby-county-deputies-respond-to-reports-of-12-year-old-possibly-shot/692152162
>> April 9, 2017 – Chattanooga – Child – Injury
A 13-year-old boy was shot in the head in his home in Chattanooga. Another boy in the house, who was 16, called 911. Police found no evidence that the shooting was "anything other than an accident."
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2017/apr/09/13-year-old-hospitalized-after-accidental-shooting/422016/
> April 5, 2017 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A 19-year-old accidentally shot himself in the leg near the baseball field behind Raleigh-Egypt High School.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35079244/man-shot-on-raleigh-egypt-high-school-baseball-field
> March 29, 2017 – Elizabethton – Adult – Injury
48-year-old Michael Hubbard was looking at his friend's .38-caliber revolver "when the gun went off while he was looking at it." He was shot in the leg and transported to the hospital.
http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/law-enforcement/2017/03/29/Carter-County-man-shoots-own-leg-while-handling-revolver
>> March 24, 2017 – Nashville – Child – Injury
Three teenagers were in a car when a 13-year-old was shot in the leg by someone else in the vehicle.
http://wkrn.com/2017/03/24/13-year-old-injured-in-accidental-shooting/
> March 17, 2017 – Memphis – Adult – Fatality
An 82-year-old man thought his 74-year-old friend was a suspicious person he saw earlier in the day and shot him. A few days later, the victim died from his injuries. No charges were filed.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/crime/2017/03/21/82-year-old-dies-gunshot-police-seek-his-killer/99446046/
> March 13, 2017 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
A man who told police he always sleeps with his gun was injured when the gun discharged while the man slept. The man reported that as he was sleeping, he moved and caused the gun to fire. The man sustained an injury to his hand.
http://www.wgnsradio.com/accidental-shooting-while-man-sleeps-with-revolver-in-murfreesboro-cms-38404
> March 7, 2017 – Jackson – Adult – Injury
A woman accidentally shot herself inside a Memphis Kroger. She had her 18-month-old child with her. The baby was not harmed. The woman was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/34691317/woman-accidentally-shoots-self-inside-kroger
A man was handling an old rifle without a stock when he accidentally shot himself in the foot.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2017/03/08/update-no-charges-expected-tuesdays-midtown-shooting/
>> February 26, 2017 – Perry County – Child – Fatality
A 13-year-old boy was unintentionally shot and killed by a 12-year-old relative as the two children were in a bedroom playing with a handgun taken from a family member's backpack. The victim was taken to Perry County Hospital where he died from his injuries.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34609415/12-year-old-shot-and-killed-in-perry-county
A person described as an acquaintance was showing the victim a pistol when the gun unintentionally went off, striking the victim. The victim suffered a mild laceration to the back of the head.
http://www.wdef.com/2017/02/25/breaking-police-investigating-non-student-shooting-near-utc/
A 4-year-old was unintentionally shot by his brother. The brother was playing with the gun and dropped it, causing it to discharge. The children's grandmother claims she fired a gun to intimidate people she said had shot into her home. She said she put the gun "back into the box but forgot to lock it."
http://www.fox13memphis.com/news/4-year-old-child-shot-in-north-memphis/495654841
> February 11, 2017 – Franklin – Adult – Injury
A couple was staying at the Hyatt Place Hotel in Franklin. The man was mishandling a pistol when he accidentally discharged it. The round went through his hand and into the rear end of the woman in the room.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34482693/man-and-woman-shot-inside-franklin-hotel-room
> January 30, 2017 – Dandridge – Adult – Injury
A 33-year-old Dandridge woman and her husband heard a suspicious noise outside. The woman picked up her .22 pistol. As they went outside, she unintentionally shot herself in the thigh when she slipped on an icy step.
http://www.standardbanner.com/news/noises-slippery-step-lead-to-gunshot-wound/article_b34342f6-e741-11e6-beda-b7efd4278d81.html
>> January 17, 2017 – Cocke County – Child – Fatality
The mother of a 12-year-old boy called EMS to report that her son had shot himself. Upon arrival, EMS tried to revive the child but he did not survive.
http://wate.com/2017/01/18/tbi-investigates-death-of-cocke-county-12-year-old/http://wate.com/2017/01/18/tbi-investigates-death-of-cocke-county-12-year-old/
>> January 17, 2017 – Springfield – Child – Injury
A 5-year-old found a handgun in a bedroom and fired it, striking the child's 9-year-old cousin in the arm. No charges have been filed.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/9-year-old-shot-in-the-arm-by-5-year-old
> January 14, 2017 – Crossville – Adult – Fatality
A man got into a fight with another man in a home. During the altercation, one of the men fired a shotgun. Projectiles from the gunshot perforated an interior wall, striking and killing a 21-year-old woman in an adjacent room of the home. The shooter has been charged with one count of aggravated assault resulting in death, one count of reckless homicide, and one count of aggravated assault.
http://wkrn.com/2017/01/14/crossville-man-arrested-for-fatal-shooting-of-21-year-old-woman/
>> January 8, 2017 – Cedar Hill – Child – Fatality
Reports indicate that an 11-year-old boy who was a month away from turning 12 was killed when a gun "accidentally discharged." The child sustained a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen and did not survive his injuries. The shooting took place in a field behind the Three Feathers Hunting Preserve and is being called a "hunting accident." Details on who the shooter was or whether the gunshot was self-inflicted have not yet been released.
http://smokeybarn.com/boy-12-dies-in-hunting-accident-in-cedar-hill/
> January 6, 2017 – Jackson – Child – Fatality
An 11-year-old was shot and killed in a Jackson, Tennessee motel room, according to Jackson Police Department. JPD said its initial investigation suggests the shooting was accidental, but the case remains open. Further details have not yet been released.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/34219090/11-year-old-shot-killed-in-jackson
Unintentional shootings involving children – injuries: 22
Unintentional shootings involving children – deaths: 9
*Intentional (fatal) shooting of a child by a child with an unsecured gun: 1
Unintentional shootings involving adults- injuries: 44
Unintentional shootings involving adults- deaths: 6
Total unintentional shooting incidents in 2016: 84*
*Details on the age of persons injured in two unintentional shootings (one on 10/14 in Chattanooga and one on 10/29 in Elizabethton) are unknown. We have included these incidents in the total count, but do not know they involved a child or an adult.
* December 20, 2016 – Knoxville – Child – Fatality
While their parents were not home, a 13-year-old boy INTENTIONALLY and fatally shot his 12-year-old brother. The 13-year-old was charged with first-degree murder.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/kpd-13-year-old-charged-in-fatal-shooting-of-younger-brother/376050323
A man who claimed to have been shot in his car by another driver was later determined to have unintentionally shot himself. A search of his vehicle turned up stolen guns and illegal drugs.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34138785/drivers-claim-they-were-shot-at-on-i-440-in-nashville
>> December 27, 2016 – Mt. Juliet – Child – Injury
Three teens were at one of the boy's homes. One of the boys visiting the home brought a firearm. As the boys were handling the gun, it discharged, striking the boy who lived in the home in the neck. He was life-flighted to Vanderbilt, treated, and was later released.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/teen-shot-in-neck-after-playing-with-gun
> December 15, 2016 – Ooltewah – Adult – Injury
A man accidentally shot his wife early Thursday morning, mistaking her for an intruder. He was sleeping while she was working in the kitchen. When she returned to the bedroom, he shot her. The bullet grazed her ear. Her injuries were not life threatening. The sheriff's department does not expect to file charges, but the DA said that if there were, "the shooter could have a compelling argument for self-defense."
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/34057831/person-shot-early-this-morning-on-blanche-road
> November 28, 2016 – Springfield – Adult – Injury
A 34-year-old man shot himself as he was trying to put his gun in the waistband of his pants. He initially told police that he'd been shot, but later admitted that he's unintentionally shot himself. Police recovered 3 unspent .38 caliber shell casings and a crack pipe lying beside the man. No word on if charges will be filed.
http://smokeybarn.com/springfield-shooting-ruled-accidental-police-say/
>> November 26, 2016 – McMinnville – Child – Fatality
A 17-tear-old girl was sitting across from her 13-year-old brother when the .223 rifle he was unloading discharged, striking her. The boy called 911 and dispatchers attempted to talk the 13-year-old through performing CPR, but the girl was pronounced dead by first responders. No word on the where the parents were or who the gun belonged to.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/mcminn-county-teen-dies-after-accidental-shooting/356287589
> November 24, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Injury
A 32-year-old Greeneville man was cleaning his Thompson .45 caliber pistol when it unintentionally discharged, striking his right index finger and grazed his leg. He was taken to the Tacoma Regional Hospital. His condition was not available.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/report-man-accidentally-shoots-self-while-cleaning-gun/article_d0fef000-1980-5780-abc2-6d4d66efb2e4.html
> November 7, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Injury
A Greeneville man shot himself in the hand as he was cleaning his gun. He was attempting to test fire the 9mm handgun when it discharged, sending a bullet through his hand. The extent of his injuries and his condition are unknown.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/man-reportedly-shoots-self-while-cleaning-gun/article_96bbbbab-47c4-5299-91c1-2231e9039ca9.html
> November 4, 2016 – Knoxville – Adult – Fatality
A man is dead after what deputies say was an apparent accidental shooting Friday afternoon in East Knox County. Authorities stated that the man found had been target shooting and they believe accidentally shot himself once. His name and age have not been released.
http://www.local8now.com/content/news/One-dead-Accidental-shooting-in-East-Knox-County–400109101.html
*October 29, 2016 – Elizabethton – Unknown – Injury
A person in Elizabethan was transported to the hospital after what authorities said was an accidental shooting. The extent of the victim's injuries and details about the gender and age of the victim and the circumstances of the shooting have not been reported.
http://wjhl.com/2016/10/29/deputies-respond-to-accidental-shooting-in-elizabethton/
> October 25, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Injury
Three men were playing with a gun when it discharged, striking one of the men in the ankle. When the sheriff's deputies arrived on the scene, they found a bag containing 1.9 grams of methamphetamine along with empty plastic bags, a pouch containing empty bags, a 100-gram weight, a digital scale, cut straws and a pipe with a rubber hose attached.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/arrests-for-meth-possession-follow-accidental-shooting/article_1a04a295-a035-58d8-bcef-e0ffc78d95c8.html
*October 14, 2016 – Chattanooga – Unknown – Injury
Chattanooga police say a person was accidentally shot this afternoon off East Brainerd Road. Police confirm one person was accidentally shot, but did not provide details of the shooting.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/33394150/chattanooga-police-investigating-shooting-near-east-brainerd-road
A 16-year-old was shot on the 3400 block of Dupre Street, according to Memphis police. Officers said the shooting happened just before 8 p.m. The victim and friends where handling the weapon, the gun fired and the victim was hit in the abdomen. The victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/16-year-old-critically-injured-in-accidental-shooting
>> September 25, 2016 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A car pulled up to a residence in Donelson. A 2-year-old child that doesn't live at the residence was able to pick up a loaded gun from a door pocket of the car and fire the gun, striking a 12-year-old in the hip. The child was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle, according to police, can legally carry the firearm, but does not have a carry permit.
http://fox17.com/news/local/twelve-year-old-shot-by-2-year-old-in-nashville
> September 10, 2016 – Clarksville – Adult – Injury
Two pedestrians confronted people in a vehicle and began firing shots into it. A bystander standing a driveway of a nearby residence was struck in the arm and was taken to the hospital. Authorities believe the confrontation resulted from a prior altercation at a nearby convenience store.
http://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/2016/09/10/two-men-injured-different-shootings/90182440/
> September 9, 2016 – Clarksville – Adult – Injury
A 24-year-old man unintentionally shot himself in the thigh as he was cleaning his gun. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
> September 8, 2016 – Hamilton County – Adult – Injury
Police responded to a call reporting an accidental shooting on September 8th. The victim was hospitalized and police are investigating. Additional details regarding the victim's age and the circumstances of the shooting have not yet been reported as of September 9.
http://www.wdef.com/2016/09/08/hamilton-county-investigates-reported-accidental-shooting-off-highway-58/
>> September 6, 2016 – Louisville – Child – Injury
A 9-year-old boy was shot in the head when the gun his mother was handling unintentionally discharged. The bullet traveled through the floor of the family's apartment and struck the child who was in a room below. No charges filed.
http://www.local8now.com/content/news/Blount-Co-Sheriffs-Office-9-year-old-shot-in-head-392507651.html
>> August 30, 2016 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 3-year-old gained access to his father's loaded, unsecured gun and shot himself in the hand. He was taken to the hospital. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. The gun belonged to the child's father who is a security guard with a gun permit.
http://wkrn.com/2016/08/30/metro-police-flagged-down-by-driver-after-3-year-old-shot-in-hermitage/
> August 29, 2016 – Chattanooga – Adult – Injury
A part-time employee at a UPS facility accidentally shot themselves in the parking lot. Although UPS does not allow guns on the premises, a new law effective July 1st allows guns to be kept in their vehicle even if their employer objects.
http://newschannel9.com/news/local/accidental-shooting-in-ups-parking-lot
> August 27, 2016 – Greeneville – Child – Injury
A 68-year-old man shot himself in the leg after using the bathroom. The victim and his wife both told deputies that he was in a downstairs bathroom pulling up his pants when a .22 caliber derringer pistol that he kept in a small nylon cellphone case clipped to his waistband fell to the ground, causing the gun to discharge. A bullet hit the man in the leg. His injuries required hospitalization.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/man-accidentally-shot-self-in-leg-report-says/article_2b062e86-e6c1-52e4-b75a-c09f90b2da6e.html
> August 26, 2016 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
A 22-year-old man accidentally shot himself in the hand. Police found spent shell casing in the living room of the home. A hole in the kitchen wall led to the adjacent unit. Inside that unit, there was a hole in the wall that led to the living room couch. He was taken to Vanderbilt Hospital. His injury was not considered life-threatening.
http://wgnsradio.com/accidental-shooting-on-shoshone-place-cms-34660
>> August 25, 2016 – Cocke County – Child – Fatality
54-year-old Christoper Allen Russell awakened his 7-year-old grandson Jayden Norton and took him to the front porch to show him a gun. While the two were on the porch, the gun fired, striking Jayden in the chest. The grandfather left the scene in his vehicle and was later involved in a fatal crash. The shooting death of the child was ruled accidental by the District Attorney and Cocke County sheriff. The car crash was also ruled an accident and the result of driving too fast around a corner.
http://www.citizentribune.com/police-grandfather-shot-7-year-old-prior-to-fatal-wreck/
http://www.wbir.com/news/crime/law-enforcement-investigating-shooting-death-of-parrottsville-boy/308227044
> August 24, 2016 – Paris – Adult – Injury
A 19-year-old man initially told police that he had been the victim of a drive by shooting but later admitted that he had shot himself in the foot. No charges were filed against the man.
http://www.parispi.net/news/local_news/article_53653080-6ae4-11e6-bcb6-bbc044a180ca.html
> August 21, 2016 – East Ridge – Adult – Injury
Officers were responding to a shooting call when they encountered two individuals who told the officers that the shooting was an accident and that they were taking themselves to the hospital. Both men had been injured.
http://newschannel9.com/news/local/accidental-shooting-in-east-ridge-sends-two-to-the-hospital
>> August 8, 2016 – Hendersonville – Child – Fatality
An 11-year-old girl was accidentally shot by her father. He was awakened by a sound and shot at his daughter. The girl died from her injuries. Initially the father told police she had been shot outside the home after getting off the school bus. The father has been charged with reckless homicide, tampering with evidence, false reporting and possessing a firearm as a felon.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/sumner/hendersonville/2016/08/08/child-shot-hendersonville/88424374/
A 63-year-old men who had been drinking dropped his firearm, causing it to discharge. The man was shot in the ankle. He was issued a misdemeanor citation for possessing a firearm while under the influence.
http://wgnsradio.com/accidental-shooting-at-poplar-village-apartments-cms-34144
> July 15, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Injury
A 42-year-old woman suffered leg wounds after the Smith & Wesson pistol she was cleaning discharged. According the woman, she had not "cleared the weapon properly." She was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. No charges were filed.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/report-gun-discharges-injuring-woman-friday/article_02bb86a6-3d67-5e2c-9ee1-f70f5c5f175c.html
> July 14, 2016 – Maryville – Adult – Injury
A 32-year-old man accidentally shot a female companion in the stomach but initially lied to responding officers, claiming the woman was shot in a home invasion. The man was prohibited from possessing a gun and was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and filing a false report. He was also charged with violating the conditions of his community corrections.
http://wate.com/2016/07/14/blount-county-woman-shot-in-stomach/
>> July 10, 2016 – Lawrence County – Child – Injury
An Amish boy was unintentionally shot with a .22 rifle by another Amish boy while the two were playing. The victim was taken to Vanderbilt for treatment.
http://fox17.com/news/local/two-amish-boys-involved-in-accidental-shooting-victim-taken-to-vanderbilt
>> July 3, 2016 – East Ridge – Child – Fatality
A 17-year-old accidentally shot herself with a revolver in an apartment she was visiting in East Ridge. No details on who the gun belonged to. The girl later died from her injuries.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/2016/7/4/327290/Girl-17-Suffers-Gunshot-Wound-At-East.aspx
>> July 1, 2016 – Clarksville – Child – Fatality
A 3-year-old toddler fatally shot himself in the face with a .40 caliber pistol. The child was visiting from Fort Riley, Kansas, with his family. The gun belonged to the homeowner.
http://wkrn.com/2016/07/01/child-injured-in-accidental-shooting-in-clarksville/
A man unintentionally shot himself on Roosevelt Parkway. The man "limped to the ambulance." The man's injuries were not life-threatening.
>> June 26, 2016 – Haywood County – Child – Fatality
A fight at a party ended in gunfire and 17-year-old girl was fatally shot by a stray bullet as she hid.
http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/crime/2016/06/26/teen-dead-3-injured-haywood-co-party/86410912/
> June 23, 2016 – Red Bank – Adult – Injury
A Red Bank man was walking to his car when he shot himself in the leg. He says that the gun was in his bag and he has "no idea" what caused it to fire.
http://newschannel9.com/news/local/accidental-shooting-in-red-bank
A man accidentally shot himself in the head at the Nashville Shores campground. He was taken to Vanderbilt Hospital in critical condition.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/32261448/man-shot-at-nashville-shores-campground
> June 14, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Injury
An 18-year-old shot himself in the face with a .20 gauge shotgun as he was cleaning it. He said the gun discharged as he used a cleaning rod to clean the barrel of the weapon. His injuries were not life threatening.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/accidental-shotgun-blast-injures-man-s-face/article_def46aa4-3311-11e6-ad93-6798f1459364.html
>> June 9, 2016 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A family, including a 4-year-old boy, was locked out of their home. A family friend attempted to climb through the window to open the door. As he climbed through the window, a gun fell from his pants and discharged, firing a bullet that hit the 4-year-old. The child was taken to the hospital with non-critical injuries.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/crime/4-year-old–injured-in-accidental-shooting–382469211.html
>> June 7, 2016 – Lawrenceburg – Child – Injury
Caleb Young, 10, was shot in the chest at close range Tuesday night while outside shooting with the BB gun with another boy.
http://www.timesdaily.com/news/local/child-critical-after-being-accidentally-shot-with-bb-gun/article_478517ce-6700-5bc1-86d7-7cc45c610629.html
> June 7, 2016 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
A man was attempting to clear his pistol when it unintentionally fired two rounds into his leg. He was hospitalized and is reported to be in critical condition.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/32170219/nashville-man-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-leg
> June 5, 2016 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A Memphis man unintentionally shot himself in the leg. He was hospitalized with non-critical injuries.
http://wreg.com/2016/06/05/man-in-hospital-after-accidentally-shooting-himself/
>> May 26, 2016 – Murfreesboro – Child – Injury
A boy who was cleaning a rifle he thought was unloaded unintentionally fired it. The bullet struck his father in the leg. He was airlifted to Vanderbilt. His condition is unknown.
http://wkrn.com/2016/05/26/boy-accidentally-shoots-dad-in-leg-while-working-on-rifle/
> May 22, 2016 – Nashville – Adult – Fatality
18-year-old track star DeAndre Kpana-Quamoh had recently graduated from East Literature High School and was headed to Alabama State University in the fall on a full academic scholarship. After work Sunday night, he went to a friend's house. The two were handling a gun they thought was unloaded when it unintentionally discharged, killing DeAndre.
http://wkrn.com/2016/05/25/east-nashville-teenager-dies-in-accidental-shooting/
> May 15, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Injury
A man accidentally shot himself while getting ready for bed. The .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol "fell off the nightstand and went off." The man was taken to the hospital. His condition is unknown.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/report-man-accidentally-shot-when-gun-falls-off-nightstand/article_901b63eb-78f1-51db-9e1f-4b8132af76cd.html
An 18-year-old was unintentionally shot in the chest as she got ready for prom. A 17-year-old friend was "playing around with a gun" when it went off, shooting the young woman and leaving her in critical condition. The 17-year-old was charged with aggravated assault.
http://www.fox13memphis.com/news/mpd-teen-arrested-after-shooting-18-year-old-girl-in-chest/280437725
> May 9, 2016 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
A Knoxville man was shooting at a backstop to to check the accuracy of the sites on his weapon. One of the bullets fired went beyond the backstop, through a wooded area, and struck a vehicle. A 33-year-old man was seated in the vehicle and struck in the left arm. His injuries are not life-threatening.
http://wate.com/2016/05/08/accidental-shooting-leaves-one-injured-in-west-knox-county/
>> May 7, 2016 – Smyrna – Child – Injury
A 2-year-old child was able to gain access to a loaded gun and accidentally shot herself. She was Life-Flighted to Vanderbilt and is expected to survive.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/local-news/2-year-old-accidentally-shoots-injures-herself
> May 2, 2016 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
While cleaning his Mossberg shotgun, a 37-year-old Murfreesboro man shot himself in the foot. He was taken to the hospital with serious, but not life threatening injuries.
http://wgnsradio.com/accidental-shooting-of-a-shotgun-in-murfreesboro-cms-32683
> April 30, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Injury
A man had just purchased a Smith & Wesson .38 Special from a friend and was attempting to open the cylinder and the gun discharged, hitting the victim in the right foot.
http://m.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/man-accidentally-shoots-self-in-foot-report-says/article_26ebd6d6-63ce-55d5-9ca3-981292a1c916.html?mode=jqm
> April 30, 2016 – Huntingdon – Adult – Fatality
Police responded to a call and found an 18-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. A 38 Smith & Wesson revolver lying next to him. He was taken to the hospital where he later died. The TBI and Huntingdon Police Department concluded that the shooting was unintentional.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2016/05/02/police-say-weekend-shooting-that-killed-huntingdon-man-was-accidental/
A 17-year-old unintentionally shot himself near the campus of the University of Memphis.
http://wreg.com/2016/04/30/teen-shot-near-university-of-memphis/
>> April 29, 2016 – Lebanon – Child – Injury
A 10-year-old found a loaded shotgun and unintentionally shot himself in the abdomen. He has been taken to the hospital in serious condition. His injuries were severe and it's been reported that he faces many surgeries.
http://wkrn.com/2016/04/29/10-year-old-lebanon-boy-accidentally-shoots-self-in-stomach/
> April 18, 2016 – Nashville – Adult – Injury
A 38-year-old Nashville man unintentionally shot himself in the foot.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/local-news/police-investigate-north-nashville-shooting
A man unintentionally shot himself in the leg as he was cleaning his gun. His injuries were not life-threatening. The man told deputies that he was trying to rack the gun to unload it when it fired. The gun had no safety.
http://m.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/report-man-cleaning-gun-accidentally-shoots-himself/article_1e848f0f-49af-5e5c-be48-224b4cc65aac.html?mode=jqm
A man accidentally shot himself at a local Walgreens. His mother was with him and called 911. His injuries do not appear to be life threatening.
http://wreg.com/2016/04/07/police-respond-to-walgreens-after-man-accidentally-shoots-himself/
> April 4, 2016 – Dyersburg – Adult – Injury
A 29-year-old man was treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound to the leg. He originally told police that he'd been shot by someone else but investigators later determined that he'd actually shot himself in the leg. He was charged with possession of a weapon with the intent to go armed.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2016/04/14/police-say-man-lied-about-accidental-dyersburg-shooting/
An 11-year-old little girl was shot by a playmate who was playing with a gun. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/11-year-old-shot-on-winchester
A 14-year-old boy in Nashville accidentally shot himself in the leg. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No word on how he had access to a loaded gun.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/local-news/14-year-old-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-leg
> March 15, 2016 – Chattanooga – Adult – Fatality
A 22-year-old man was handling a weapon when it discharged, killing 19-year-old Carly Ellis inside a Chattanooga home. The bullet went through a wall and hit Ellis in the neck, according to Chattanooga police. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/mar/16/womshot-killed-chattanooghome/355528/
>> March 14, 2016 – Chattanooga – Child – Injury
A 15-year-old teen was accidentally shot in what Chattanooga police describe as an "domestic-related" shooting. No word on his condition.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/31464741/teen-shot-in-chattanooga
> March 11, 2016 – Madison – Adult – Injury
A man shot himself in the chest while cleaning his gun. He was transported to the hospital. His condition is unknown.
http://wkrn.com/2016/03/11/man-accidentally-shoots-self-while-cleaning-gun-in-madison/
> March 5, 2016 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
A Knoxville man with a valid gun permit accidentally shot himself outside the West Towne Mall Cheesecake Factory. The 23-year-old man unintentionally discharged his Glock, injuring his leg. He was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/local/kpd-man-who-shot-himself-in-mall-parking-lot-was-gun-permit-holder-2d78717c-a272-1e1d-e053-0100007f3-371275611.html
>> February 29, 2016 – Apison – Child – Fatality
3-year-old Gavin Pittman accidentally shot himself in the head in his family's minivan. The minivan was parked outside the family's home. The child's mother was charged with criminally negligent homicide and child endangerment.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/mar/02/apison-toddler-accidentally-shot-head-medical-examiner-says/353067/
According to witnesses, an employee of Corky's Ribs and BBQ in Cordova was stepping out of his car and showing his gun to someone when it discharged. The man, a 21-year-old, described as a good person, is in currently in critical condition.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/31292883/man-shoots-self-outside-corkys-in-cordova
> February 22, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Fatality
A Greeneville city official was exiting his work vehicle when his .22 caliber handgun discharged, striking him in the stomach. He was airlifted to the Johnson City Medical Center where he died several weeks later as a result of his injuries.
http://m.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/building-official-dies-from-gunshot-wound/article_97a04102-e92c-11e5-b124-47071c5d13df.html?mode=jqm
> February 20, 2016 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
While at a West Knox County shooting range, a woman was hit in the back of the head with what appears to be a ricocheted bullet. She was transported to UT Medical Center for treatment.
http://www.wbir.com/news/crime/accidental-shooting-at-west-knox-county-armory/49820913
An employee at City View Magazine with a valid carry permit was holstering his handgun after using the restroom when he accidentally shot himself in the right leg. He was taken to the hospital to be treated.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/man-accidentally-shoots-self-in-leg-after-using-bathroom/45010846
While in an adult bookstore, a man reached into his pocket for his cellphone and unintentionally discharged his weapon instead. The man had a permit but it expired in 2013.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/31266943/johnson-shot-in-adult-store-on-valentines-day
> February 13, 2016 – Greeneville – Adult – Injury
A Greeneville man was cleaning his gun when it jammed. While trying to clear the gun, it fired and grazed his right hand. He was treated and released from the hospital.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/man-reportedly-shoots-self-while-cleaning-gun/article_7cee7136-d3ff-11e5-8665-03b911b50907.html
> February 7, 2016 – Nashville – Adult – Fatality
A man died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot to the head at a Red Roof motel in Nashville. Police said the shooting has been ruled an accident and self-inflicted.
http://wkrn.com/2016/02/07/man-dies-after-accidentally-shooting-himself-at-south-nashville-motel/
> February 6, 2016 – LaVergne – Adult – Injury
Two people were injured in an accidental shooting in LaVergne. The bullet went through one person's hand and the other person in the leg. One of those injured was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in unknown condition.
http://wkrn.com/2016/02/06/1-flown-to-vanderbilt-after-accidental-shooting-in-la-vergne/
>> February 5, 2016 – East Ridge – Child – Fatality
A 16-year-old was found in a bedroom with a 15-year-old friend and a .380 semi-automatic handgun. The older child had been unintentionally shot by the younger one. The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The shooter has been charged with reckless homicide. The shooter says that the boys found the gun on the side of the road.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/31151611/family-says-16-year-old-shot-in-east-ridge
>> February 4, 2016 – Memphis – Child – Injury
A 20-year-old was handling a gun that fired and hit a 16-year-old girl. Police report the two knew each other and that the shooting was an accident. The 20-year-old has been charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. The victim is in stable condition.
http://www.fox13memphis.com/news/jeffrey-gray-charged-after-teen-accidentally-shot-in-oakhaven/63473488
> February 3, 2016 – Kingsport – Adult – Injury
As he was attempting to kick out an unwanted houseguest, a Kingsport man accidentally shot the houseguest in the chest. The shooting victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/law-enforcement/2016/02/04/Kingsport-man-arrested-after-accidental-shooting-1.html
> February 1, 2016 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
A former student who had been a criminal justice major and who served on the Raider Patrol assisting officers accidentally shot himself as he ran, naked, from police, waving a Smith & Wesson .45 and firing it. During the chase, he shot himself in the knee. He was caught and charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault.
http://wkrn.com/2016/02/01/man-accused-of-running-naked-with-gun-firing-shots-in-murfreesboro/
> January 29, 2016 – Winchester – Adult – Injury
A Winchester man was accidentally shot and sustained a wound to his left shoulder described as a "through and through." His injury was not life threatening.
http://www.heraldchronicle.com/accidental-shooting-sends-one-man-to-the-hospital/
>> January 25, 2016 – Crossville – Child – Fatality
Parents left four children in a car while they went inside a Verizon store to pay a bill. One child found a semi-automatic pistol left inside the mother's purse and accidentally shot a 7-year-old boy also in the car. The child was shot in the head. He was flown to a Knoxville trauma center for medical treatment where he died. No charges have been filed.
http://wate.com/2016/01/25/police-child-accidentally-shot-by-another-child-in-crossville-parking-lot/
> January 11, 2016 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
A Murfreesboro unintentionally shot himself in the foot. As he was picking up his gun, it slipped from his hand. He tried to catch it, discharging it in the process.
http://www.dnj.com/story/news/2016/01/12/police-man-shoots-himself-foot/78702084/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
> January 7, 2016 – Murfreesboro – Adult – Injury
A Murfreesboro man was unloading his 9mm when it accidentally discharged. A bullet penetrated the wall, through his neighbor's bedroom before lodging in another wall. The woman was injured. No charges were filed.
http://www.dnj.com/story/news/crime/2016/01/07/police-bullet-shoots-through-sleeping-womans-bedroom/78445954/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
>> January 5, 2016 – Memphis – Child – Injury
According to police, a 21-year-old man and another person were handling a gun in the upstairs part of a townhome-style apartment when the gun accidentally discharged. The bullet went through the floor, striking a 13-year-old girl who was holding a 12-week-old boy, police said. LeTara Jones, a sixth-grader at Humes Preparatory Academy, was taken to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in critical condition and later died. The infant was grazed by a bullet and was in noncritical condition at the hospital.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/Police-A-13-year-old-girl-dies-after-shot-at-Frayser-apartment-364230151.html
>> January 5, 2016 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
>> January 3, 2016 – Knoxville – Child – Injury
A 15-year-old boy and some friends were playing with a gun in the teen's bedroom. The gun fired, injuring the boy. Initially the boy lied about what happened, saying he didn't know how he was shot. The injured boy's parents say that one of the boy's friends brought the gun over to the house. No word yet on any charges or how the teen with the gun had access to it.
http://www.local8now.com/home/headlines/Knoxville-police-investigate-Hembree-Street-shooting-of-15-year-old-364059741.html
According to police, a 15-year-old boy's father was approaching the house when he heard two shots. The teen opened the door and said he shot himself. The boy was taken to the Regional Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/crime/teen-accidentally-shoots-himself-police-say-2875b4f1-ab5e-5f74-e053-0100007fdd9a-364080671.htm
Unintentional shootings involving children- injuries: 14
Unintentional shootings involving children with no injury: 0
Unintentional shootings involving children- fatalities: 9
> Unintentional shootings involving adults: 27
Unintentional shootings involving adults with no injury: 4
Unintentional shootings involving adults- fatalities: 4
Total unintentional shooting incidents in 2015: 51
*October 3, 2015- White Pine – Child – Fatality
8-year-old MaKayla Dyer who was INTENTIONALLY shot by her 11-year old neighbor when she refused to let him play with her puppy. The boy used his father's loaded shotgun, kept in an unlocked closet in a trailer full of children. Although this incident was intentional, the death was 100% due to the irresponsible storage of the father's shotgun. The boy was convicted of first degree murder but the father will not be charged with anything.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/08/us/girl-killed-puppy-in-tennessee/
On Christmas Day, a 31-year-old man accidentally shot himself while driving and crashed into a light pole after hitting another car. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/30831433/police-man-crashes-car-after-accidental-shooting
>> December 12, 2015 – Estill Springs – Child – Fatality
11-year-old Sienna Owens who was shot and killed at her 12-year-old friend's house. Sienna and several friends were at a boy's home and the children were in the garage. A gun was produced, a single shot was fired, and Sienna Owens was killed. Police are still investigating the shooting to determine if it was unintentional. However, the death of this young girl is 100% due to the negligent storage of a gun. Middle school aged children should not be allowed access to loaded guns without adult supervision. No charges have been filed.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/family-of-11-year-old-killed-in-franklin-county-shooting-speaks-out
> December 11, 2015 – Franklin County – Adult – Injury
A hunter mistook another hunter for a deer and shot him in the knee. The victim was airlifted to the hospital. No word on his condition.
http://wkrn.com/2015/12/12/hunter-shot-in-franklin-county/
> December 8, 2015 – Jackson – Adult – Injury
A man accidentally shot himself but told police another man shot him. He was charged with filing a false police report and being a felon in possession of a gun.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2015/12/10/man-faces-false-report-charge-after-gunshot-wound-claim/
>> November 30, 2015 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 3-year-old child unintentionally shot himself in the arm with a gun. His father was in the kitchen when the child shot himself.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/child-suffers-gunshot-wound-believed-to-be-accidental
>> November 17, 2015 – Goodlettsville – Child – Fatality
A father who always kept his loaded gun nearby for protection was watching TV with his two young sons. The gun had a laser sight and the father was teasing the family cat with the laser. He set the gun down and left the room. The older boy picked up the gun and tried to operate the laser but instead, accidentally shot his 5-year-old little brother in the head, killing him. The father was later charged with felony criminally negligent homicide.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/sumner/2015/11/23/goodlettsville-police-id-boy-shot-saturday/76273634/
A woman was accidentally shot in the head at an estate sale by someone handling a gun that was for sale.
http://wjhl.com/2015/11/14/woman-shot-at-estate-auction-by-someone-handling-gun-for-sale/
> November 2, 2015 – Clarksville – Adult – Fatality
A 21-year-old woman died after being accidentally shot in the head in Clarksville. Police are not seeking any suspects in connection to the shooting.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/30435735/woman-shot-in-head-killed-in-clarksville
>> October 31, 2015 – Zionville NC – Child – Injury
A 13-year-old Tennessee boy was accidentally shot by another 13-year-old Tennessee boy in Zionville, NC, on the state line of North Carolina and Tennessee. The boy sustained a shotgun blast to the abdomen and was airlifted to Johnson City. No word on condition or how the boys had access to the gun.
http://www.goblueridge.net/news/1/30077-13-year-old-airlifted-after-accidental-shooting
>> October 31, 2015 – Whitehaven – Child – Injury
A 15-year-old and 16-year-old were both injured when a gun the 16-year-old was handling "just went off." One child was struck in the foot and the other in the hand.
http://wreg.com/2015/11/01/police-holmes-rd-shooting-of-teen-was-accidental/
>> October 25, 2015 – Hamilton County – Child – Injury
A 13-year-old was accidentally shot in the face by a family member as the family posed for pictures with guns.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/30345873/update-woman-talks-about-making-the-911-call-when-a-teen-was-shot
A man initially claiming he was struck by a stray bullet confessed that he accidentally shot himself with a friend's gun.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/local-news/1-injured-in-accidental-shooting
> October 9, 2015 – Atwood – Adult – Fatality
A 22-year-old man and some friends were in a garage. The 22-year-old had "dry fired" the 9 mm handgun several times as the loaded magazine hung loose from the weapon, the Sheriff's Department said. He aimed it at the wall and his knee and the weapon did not fire. He then pointed it at his head and the weapon fired.
http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/2015/10/14/briefs-traffic-stop-leads-high-speed-chase/73910116/
> October 5, 2015 – Cookeville – Adult – Injury
A Cookeville man was charged with reckless endangerment after a reported accidental shooting last night that injured himself and a woman at the scene. He had been pointing the gun at another man with whom he'd had a disagreement. Police had already been to the residence earlier in the evening.
http://uppercumberlandnow.com/cookeville-man-charged-in-monday-night-shooting/
> September 28, 2015 – Nashville – Adult – Fatality
A mother of two was mistake for an intruder by her boyfriend who shot and killed her. She was returning home after taking one of her children to school.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2015/09/28/woman-shot-south-nashville-apartment-complex/72967236/
> September 25, 2015 – Seymour – Adult – Injury
Clyde Wallace "Wally" Johnson, identified by authorities as a "company executive" of Craig's Firearm Supply, 8761 Chapman Highway, told police he was attempting to cycle a round into the chamber of a Glock handgun at the store when the gun fired and discharged a round through the palm of his right hand.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/watchful-eye/sheriff-man-shoots-self-in-hand-at-gun-store_79502104
A 28-year-old woman was at an apartment complex in Bellevue when a man who lives there was showing off his gun. Another man was holding the gun when it accidentally went off, striking the woman in the head. She spent a week in the hospital and is still undergoing rehab and physical therapy. She can no longer see out of left eye and has lost all feeling on her left side. No charges were filed. Police were still investigating.
http://wkrn.com/2015/09/16/nashville-woman-shot-in-head-lives-to-tell-the-story/
> September 6, 2015 – Harrison – Adult – Injury
An experienced shooter and long-time shooting range member was rushed to the hospital after accidentally shooting himself at a gun range while holstering his gun. His injury was not life threatening.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/29984410/man-recovering-after-accidentally-shooting-himself-at-local-gun-range
>> August 29, 2015 – Murfreesboro – Child – Fatality
A 15-year-old popular football player was accidentally shot in the head at his home. He was life flighted and kept on life support. Four days later, he was declared brain dead.
http://www.dnj.com/story/news/2015/09/02/loupe-family-awaits-brain-scan-results-spokesman-says/71586574/
> August 25, 2015 – Greeneville – Adult – Fatality
Kenneth Oval Hensley, 67, died of chest injures suffered after a shotgun he was carrying on his tractor apparently accidentally discharged. A 12-gauge shotgun was on the ground next to him.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/accidental-shotgun-discharge-cited-in-kelly-gap-man-s-death/article_2153710e-fd0c-523d-a6be-97f9841ef2d2.html
>> August 14, 2015 – Greeneville – Child – Injury
In Greeneville, a 17-year-old practicing his "quick draw" skills accidentally shot himself in the leg. The teenager told deputies that he forgot to unload the revolver "and while drawing the weapon it discharged. The bullet struck his right leg just above the ankle. His injuries were minor.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/report-teenager-shot-himself-practicing-quick-draw-skills/article_6f352739-e516-59ff-b3d5-42ee1efc32dd.html
>> August 5, 2015 – Robertson County – Child Fatality
The 15-year-old son of a Robertson County deputy was accidentally shot and killed. No word on who shot him, only that it was an accident. The boy's father is the school resource officer at his high school.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/29723748/robertson-county-deputys-son-killed-in-accidental-shooting
>> August 4, 2015 – Chattanooga – Child – Injury
A developmentally disabled 13-year-old accidentally shot himself in the arm with a loaded gun he found in his home. Police found a total of three handguns including a 9mm handgun and a .22 caliber gun which were loaded. One of the guns was stolen.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/29715389/mother-arrested-after-mentally-handicap-son-accidentally-shoots-himself
>> August 1, 2015 – Nashville – Child – Injury
A 10-year-old boy was accidentally shot in the chest by another child at a Nashville motel. Three boys were playing with a cap gun and a .22 caliber when the shooting occurred.
http://wkrn.com/2015/08/01/10-year-old-shot-in-north-nashville-hotel-room/
>> July 24, 2015 – Tullahoma – Child – Injury
A 12-year-old boy was accidentally shot with a .243 rifle by another juvenile. He was airlifted to Vanderbilt. He is expected to survive.
http://www.tullahomanews.com/boy-12-re-covering-from-rifle-wound/
> July 23, 2015 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
A 32-year-old man shot accidentally himself in the leg and then drove to a nearby Walgreens to wait for ambulance.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/29621566/man-shoots-self-in-leg-at-walgreens
> July 7, 2015 – Chattanooga – Adult – Injury
A 38-year-old man accidentally shot himself in the chest at work. He was sitting at his desk at Standard Tool & Die, trying to "field strip" his gun, when the gun went off. His injury is non-life threatening. Police say he has a valid gun permit.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/29492715/chattanooga-man-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-the-chest
Just months after a new law was passed to allow guns in all public parks, a Memphis man at Douglass Park accidentally shot himself. Witnesses said he "sat down wrong" and caused the gun to discharge.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/29402043/shooting-sends-1-to-hospital
> June 23, 2015 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
While his mother was at the store and his father was doing yard work, a 4-year-old found his father's loaded gun and shot and killed himself with it.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/29280648/scso-investigates-shooting-on-egyptian-cove
>> June 23, 2015 – Knoxville – Adult – Injury
A woman was accidentally shot at a barbecue when a man was showing his gun to a friend and unintentionally shot. She was struck in the hand and leg. He injuries were not life threatening.
http://wate.com/2015/06/23/1-taken-to-hospital-after-east-knoxville-shooting
>> May 30, 2015 – Memphis – Adult – Injury
Two teens in Memphis were playing with the hammer of a revolver in one of their apartments when the gun fired, shooting one of them in the thigh. The victim was last reported to be in stable condition. The shooter was charged with reckless endangerment. No charges have been filed against the adult(s) who allowed the revolver to be in the possession of the teens.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/29196816/1-person-shot-in-waterford-place-apartments
> May 29, 2015 – Hickman County – Child – Injury
The 13-year-old daughter of a Sheriff's deputy, described as being well acquainted with firearms, was accidentally shot with one of her father's personal guns. Her injuries required surgery.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/29095235/support-prayers-for-deputys-daughter-injured-in-shooting
A permit holder carrying his gun in a fanny pack dropped the fanny pack in a WalMart, causing the gun to discharge. No charges were filed. http://www.dnj.com/story/news/2015/05/04/police-gun-discharges-man-drops-fanny-pack-wal-mart/26886703/
>> April 22, 2015 – Memphis – Child – Fatality
Two seniors were playing with a gun on senior skip day. The guns accidentally discharged, killing one of the teens. The shooter has been charged with reckless homicide.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/28885044/teen-killed-in-accidental-shooting-during-senior-skip-day
> April 20, 2015 – Henry County – Adult – Injury
While walking in Paris Landing State Park, a 19-year-old carrying an "unfamiliar handgun" accidentally discharged the gun and accidentally shooting himself in the leg. The man said his finger slipped off the guard and hit the trigger, causing the gun to fire.
http://www.parispi.net/news/local_news/article_54df57b2-e9d8-11e4-be26-5b155eabc783.html
A 22-year-old Clarksville man working security at a teen party on Oak Street dropped a gun and shot himself in the calf while trying to break up a girl fight. He was armed with a Hi-Point CF380 and ran to break up the fight while holding the weapon. He placed it in his vest and while pulling one of the girls from the pile, the weapon fell out, hit the ground and went off, shooting him in his right calf. The man does not own the handgun and did not have a permit to carry a weapon concealed or as an armed security guard. He was charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a weapon.
http://www.wbir.com/story/news/2015/04/04/security-guard-drops-gun-party-shoots-self-gets-arrested/25292871/
>> March 31, 2015 – Nashville – Child – Fatality
2-year-old child was killed in Madison apartment. Investigation is ongoing but it is likely the child fired the gun himself. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/28705897/2-year-old-dies-after-being-shot-in-madison-apartment
During an argument, a woman fired shots into the ground. One of the rounds ricocheted and struck an 11-year-old boy, injuring him. He was last reported to be in stable condition.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/28673544/gunman-wanted-in-shooting-of-11-year-old-in-custody
>> March 22, 2015 – Blount County – Child – Injury
In Alcoa, a 14-year-old girl mistook a loaded pistol for a BB gun and fired it at a 17 year old, injuring him. The two teens were at the home of a Blount County sheriff's department officer. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local/maryville-blount/2015/03/22/teen-involved-shooting-under-investigation/25194219/
> March 19, 2015 – Morgan County – Adult – Injury
A Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officer accidentally discharged his .357 Glock semi-automatic while teaching a nighttime course on guns at Sunbright School. No one was injured.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/crime-courts/gunshot-fired-by-state-wildlife-officer-during-hunter-safety-course-ep-1031678809-362338331.html
>> March 3, 2015 – Coffee County – Child – Injury
A 3-year-old little boy found a loaded gun and shot his 18 month old brother in the head.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tennessee-boy-3-shoots-1-year-old-brother-in-the-head/
>> February 27, 2015 – Nashville – Child – Fatality
An 11-year-old little boy and a 15-year-old boy were playing with a gun when the 11-year-old accidentally shot and killed the 15-year-old.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2015/03/06/teenager-killed-in-north-nashville-shooting/24538395/
> February 23, 2015 – Smyrna – Adult – Injury
During a town hall meeting, police lieutenant Earl Barnes who was providing security accidentally discharged his gun, sending a .40 caliber round through the carpet and into the concrete below. Barnes was sitting in a chair and as he got up, his gun got caught and as he tried to grab it, the gun fired. Barnes is the head of the SWAT team with 25 years on the police force.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/28225616/gunshot-interrupts-smyrna-town-hall-meeting
> February 21, 2015 – Kingsport – Adult – Injury
A 41-year-old woman "depressed over personal issues" was intoxicated and trying to unload her .357 magnum when it accidentally discharged, sending a bullet into her neighbor's apartment. No one was injured. The woman was charged with reckless endangerment.
http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/law-enforcement/2015/03/24/Drunken-woman-accidentally-shot-into-Kingsport-apartment-police-say.html
> February 21, 2015 – Paris – Adult – Injury
A 52-year-old man and a friend were cleaning their guns when the one of the men removed his .357 from its holster, accidentally discharging it. A bullet passed through the man's leg.
http://m.parispi.net/news/local_news/article_d5a206ba-bb7f-11e4-b9e6-c7eec8717254.html?mode=jqm
> February 10, 2015 – Springfield – Adult – Injury
An 18-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He originally told police he had been shot but later admitted he'd accidentally shot himself.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/robertson/2015/02/11/police-springfield-shooting-accidental-self-inflicted/23231631/
> February 7, 2015 – Chattanooga – Adult – Injury
A 19-year-old was adjusting the gun concealed in his pants when he discharged his weapon accidentally. The man was injured.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2015/feb/07/chattanooga-police-investigating-shooting-19-year-old-man/287134/
>> February 3, 2015 – Morgan County – Child – Fatality
A 15-year-old was at home with family when he removed a gun out of the family's gun safe. The gun fired, killing the boy.
http://wate.com/2015/02/04/morgan-county-teen-shot-killed/
> January 12, 2015 – McMinnville – Adult – Injury
A man shot himself in the back of the leg at Walmart. He reached in his pocket for a tissue and instead caused his holstered weapon to discharge.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/27843369/man-accidentally-shoots-self-at-walmart
>> January 10, 2015 – Lebanon – Child – Injury
Two high school sophomores playing with a gun at one of the boys' houses. The gun was discharged, shattering the femur of one of the boys.
http://www.wilsonpost.com/mom-ive-been-shot-dont-freak-out–cms-84858