Officer Injured by Accidental Gunfire at Range: Baltimore County Police

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — An officer suffered minor injuries at the gun range on Dulaney Valley Road Tuesday morning after he prematurely pulled the trigger during a routine test, according to the Baltimore County Police Department.

Each year, officers must get re-certified in firearms proficiency at the range in the 2000 block of Dulaney Valley Road. The department uses frangible ammunition during training, meaning the rounds are made of a composite material that disintegrates when striking something hard.

While participating in a timed drill, officials said the policeman pulled his weapon from the holster and prepared to aim it at the target when he prematurely pulled the trigger. The weapon was pointed down, so the round grazed him before hitting the ground at 9 a.m.

Authorities reported the officer was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in good condition.

The outdoor gun range was temporarily closed but had reopened by 10:45 a.m., police said.

An internal investigation into the incident, which police described as "highly unusual," was ongoing.