Man Accidentally Shot and Killed by His Friend

A man accidentally shot and killed his friend as he reloaded a gun he had been showing his friend, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. It happened in an apartment in the Garden Home area.

Deputies say that they got a call just before 11:00 Thursday night to respond to the Frank Estate Apartments. There they found a 20-year-old man who had been shot in the abdomen by his 28-year-old friend.

The 28-year-old told deputies that they - along with three others - had been celebrating the Chinese New Year at his apartment. He owns several firearms and decided to show one of them to the group.

He brought out a .223 caliber AR-15 and unloaded the weapon. He passed it around and then, as he was reloading it, it discharged, sending a bullet into his friend's abdomen, killing him.

The sheriff' office says that the victim's parents live overseas and they are still trying to reach them to tell them what happened. The shooter has not been charged though the case is still being investigated.

Deputies say that it does not appear that alcohol or drugs were a factor.

"The Sheriff's Office strongly urges people to handle guns in a safe manner and to always treat all firearms as if they are loaded at all times," says Washington County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Sergeant David Thompson.

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