A 25-year-old Florida man, Brad Markey-Perez, accidentally shot his roommate in the face after mistaking a comment as part of their regular “vigilance drills.” The incident occurred at their home in Orange City, in front of two small children. Markey-Perez was arrested on charges of child abuse and culpable negligence causing injury for the shooting that took place on March 20. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to a police report, Markey-Perez was in the living room when his roommate came out of the kitchen and made a comment that he could “assassinate” him in the blink of an eye. Thinking it was part of their armed drills to “stay vigilant,” Markey-Perez pointed a gun at his friend and accidentally pulled the trigger, striking him in the jaw. The safety was off, and the victim was injured as a result. Both roommates often engaged in surprise drills with guns, but usually the guns were not loaded or using inert rounds.
The victim has chosen not to press charges against Markey-Perez, despite the shooting happening in front of the two young children. The mother of the children informed police that she had repeatedly asked the two roommates to stop conducting their drills in the home. Markey-Perez was charged with child abuse and culpable negligence causing injury, but he is not facing any shooting or gun-related charges in relation to the incident.
This case highlights the dangers of engaging in risky behavior with firearms, especially in front of children. The use of guns in drills and games can have serious consequences, as demonstrated by the accidental shooting of the roommate. It is important for gun owners to handle their firearms responsibly and ensure that they are always aware of the potential harm they can cause.
The fact that the victim does not want to press charges against Markey-Perez raises questions about the nature of their relationship and the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is unclear why the two roommates were engaging in armed drills in their home, especially with children present. The charges of child abuse and culpable negligence causing injury indicate that there may have been a lack of consideration for the safety and well-being of the children in the household.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of gun safety and responsible behavior when handling firearms. Accidents like these can have significant and lasting impacts on all parties involved, and it is crucial for individuals to prioritize safety and caution when dealing with guns. The charges brought against Markey-Perez reflect the seriousness of the situation and the need to hold individuals accountable for their actions when they result in harm to others.
