A 19-year-old man was accidentally shot in the leg Monday night, reportedly while examining a gun for possible purchase downtown.
Juneau Police Department officers responded to a 911 call at about 11:18 p.m., with the caller reporting a loud “bang” and a man lying on the floor screaming in the Wharf Building, Sgt. Brian Dallas wrote in a press release.
On arrival, officers located the 19-year-old lying on the ground and in significant pain from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his right thigh, said Lt. David Campbell Tuesday morning. Capital City Fire/Rescue responded to treat the man who was later taken to Bartlett Regional Hospital for further treatment.
Subsequent investigation indicated that a 22-year-old man, who remained on the scene, was in the Wharf trying to sell a handgun. The 19-year-old said he was interested in buying the gun and the two men examined the handgun, which was loaded, Dallas wrote. During the handling of the weapon, the firearm discharged, striking the 19-year-old.
Alcohol was a factor, according to the press release. Campbell said the investigation was ongoing and would be forwarded to the district attorney for possible charges.
“So far, no one has been arrested,” he said. The identities of the two men were not released.
Campbell said possible charges could include misconduct involving weapons, if the person with the gun was intoxicated; other possibilities involve the discharge of a weapon in a populated area, reckless endangerment or assault due to recklessly causing injury.
Alaska does not require a background check on the purchaser of a firearm when the seller is not a licensed dealer, and the purchaser must be older than 18. Alaska prohibits any person from knowingly selling or transferring a concealable firearm to any person convicted of a felony or whose physical or mental condition is substantially impaired by liquor or controlled substances.
Contact reporter Liz Kellar at 523-2246 or liz.kellar@juneauempire.com.
