NORWOOD – A routine gun cleaning for one Norwood resident took a dangerous turn when a resident’s firearm maintenance session resulted in an accidental discharge.
According to a Norwood Police report, at approximately 12:35 PM on February 3, Norwood Police Officers were dispatched to a Pond Ave home after the resident, whose identity has not been released, reported he accidentally fired his gun.
Police say the resident told them he follows a strict safety ritual when he cleans his Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol beginning with a “functions check.” This process begins by clearing the weapon and then pulling the trigger. However, police say while the resident removed the magazine and safety, he failed to lock the slide to the rear to ensure the chamber was empty. Believing the weapon was clear, he aimed toward his bedroom wall and pulled the trigger. Unfortunately, according to the report, the chambered bullet fired and traveled through two window panes and a screen before exiting the home into the street. Police noted the discharge did not result in any injury, nor property damage not belonging to the resident.
Officers attempted to track the trajectory to a nearby parking lot, where they discovered an impact crater. While the “full metal jacket” round could not be located, they noted it was likely buried deep within a large snowbank.
In the kitchen of the home, officers inspected the firearm and its two 10-round magazines. While one magazine was full, the second contained only nine rounds, consistent with the single shot fired. The report also noted the resident cooperated fully with officers, inviting them into the home and admitting the lapse in safety.
Officers noted the individual’s License to Carry (LTC) had not been suspended, and the firearm was not seized. However, according to the narrative, his License to Carry is officially under review.
Norwood Police Chief Christopher Padden did not respond to my request for comment about this incident. -RD
