06-20-2012 Man Shoots Self

JUNE 20, 2012.

PRESS RELEASE

Man Shoots Self in Handgun Accident

An Azle man was taken to a local hospital after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his leg, Tuesday.
Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said the man, identified as Charles Edward Finch, 63, reported he had taken a Ruger .45 handgun to show his friends, and was attempting to “unload” the weapon when he was struck in the left thigh.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the call around 5 p.m. in the 1900 block of Northwest Parkway.
A Sheriff’s report states Finch reported he did not know a round was in the chamber at the time of the incident.
Finch was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth for treatment. His condition is unknown at this time.
“This is another example of how unsafe handling of weapons is extremely dangerous,” said Sheriff Larry Fowler. “This is the third weapon incident within the last 30 days. We can not stress enough caution and proper training when handling and firing weapons.”