Debate Magazine
Florida Concealed Weapon Permit Holder Fires Shot Inside Orlando Sports Bar, Injuring One - No Charges
Posted on the 18 February 2014 by Mikeb302000
Local news via Southern Beale
A concealed weapon permit holder showing off his pistol late Sunday inside Miller's Orlando Airport Ale House and accidentally shot one victim, according to Orlando police.
John A. Smith drew the .45-caliber Kimber pistol show its safety features to a friend when he fired it into the floor, a report stated.
A piece of the bullet struck Leanabel Torres-Rodriguez, 22, leaving a small wound above her right ankle.
"Rodriguez stated the handgun was pointed at the ground when the gun accidentally discharged," according to the report. "Rodriguez stated she did not wish to press charges and signed a declination of prosecution."
The report did not indicate if Smith was showing the gun to Torres-Rodriguez.
By the time police arrived after the 10:34 p.m. incident, Smith left the restaurant at 6141 So. Semoran Blvd., later saying he panicked and drove home, according to the report.
"I'm the guy you're looking for," Smith, 36, told police when he returned without his $900 Kimber 1911 Custom II handgun. "Smith stated he was not drinking while at the Ale House."
Smith proved to police he had been legally carrying a concealed weapon by showing his Florida concealed weapon permit, the report stated. Florida has issued 1.2 million active concealed weapon permits, but does not test applicants on their knowledge of state laws restricting where and when weapons can be carried.
