BARTOW, Fla. (WFLA) – Bartow police officers responded to an accidental shooting in the visitor’s parking lot at Summerlin Academy on Tuesday.
According to police, around 4:10 p.m., Amel Villarreal Jr., 39, was waiting to pick up a family member who was still on campus after school hours.
While waiting in his vehicle, Villarreal removed a concealed firearm, a .9mm semi-automatic pistol, from his waistband to secure it in a compartment in his vehicle.
As he did so, Villarreal accidentally discharged the gun, striking himself in the right leg.
He was taken to a hospital for medical treatment. He is in stable condition.
Bartow police said Villarreal is licensed to conceal carry in Florida.
No students were involved in the incident and it occurred after school hours.
Detectives are investigating the incident and criminal charges are pending.
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