Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Sep 22: A 25-year-old woman is battling for her life in the intensive care unit after being struck by a bullet that pierced through her apartment ceiling when her neighbor downstairs accidentally discharged a rifle.
The shocking incident took place around 10.50 pm on Sunday at Phoenix Park Apartments on Long Hill Road, Groton. Police identified the accused as 30-year-old Caleb Bean, who told authorities that he “accidentally discharged his firearm while attempting to cycle the action of his rifle.”
The bullet struck the woman in her right leg, causing a severe wound and massive blood loss. Quick-thinking neighbors and the victim’s boyfriend used makeshift tourniquets to keep her conscious until emergency responders arrived.
She was rushed to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, where she underwent surgery and remains in critical condition in the ICU, police confirmed.
Authorities recovered an AR-15-style rifle from the apartment. Bean was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, unlawful discharge of a firearm, criminal mischief, and breach of peace. He was initially held on a $250,000 bond, later reduced to $15,000.
Firearms experts stressed the dangers of mishandling weapons in residential settings. “Always point your gun in a safe direction. If there’s the possibility of someone being above you, up is certainly not the safest option,” warned Robert Guest of Eastern Connecticut Firearms Safety.
The incident comes just a day after a similar accidental shooting in Texas, where a 16-year-old boy was killed when a firearm went off inside a residence. Despite frantic rescue efforts, the teenager was pronounced dead