LAND O' LAKES, Fla. (AP/WPTV) — A Florida man shopping at a supermarket was accidentally shot when his wife dropped her purse, which caused a small gun to accidentally discharge.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office says Publix was able to provide video which shows the victim, Vernon Messier, 69, and his wife, Lillian, 67, standing at the cash register checking out.
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Messier's wife is a concealed carry permit holder and carries a Derringer two-shot handgun in her purse.
The sheriff's office said a preliminary investigation revealed that Lillian's purse was on the counter and fell to the ground. Video shows Vernon immediately flinch and fall to the ground.
Public information officer Amanda Hunter said it appears the gun fired when the purse fell to the ground and a bullet struck Vernon's lower right shin.
The gun was located inside Lillian's purse and a hole was discovered in the side of the purse.
Vernon is in stable condition, and no criminal charges are expected.
