Police: Off-duty deputy accidentally shot daughter with AR-15 while drunk

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A Florida man is facing charges after police said he accidentally shot his daughter while trying to show his son how to clean a gun.

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Daniel Weber, a deputy with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, was home with his family the day before Thanksgiving when he wanted to show his son, who is under 18, how to clean an AR-15 rifle, police told WPTV.

Weber told Port St. Lucie police officers who responded to the scene that he removed the magazine from the gun, and believed the weapon to be empty, WPEC reported. According to an arrest report obtained by the station, he sat on the sofa and put the gun on a TV tray, which then fell forward.

Both Weber and his son both reached for the gun as it fell but were unable to catch it. As the rifle hit the ground, a single shot was fired and hit Weber’s daughter in the “left hip/lower abdomen,” WPTV reported.

Investigators said that Weber admitted to drinking at least six beers and had several minor children under his supervision when the gun went off, WPBF reported.

Weber was charged with aggravated child abuse, using a firearm while under the influence of alcoholic beverages and culpable negligence, WPEC reported.

Officers described Weber as “extremely negligent,” and said the gun was “irresponsibly handled,” WPTV reported.

In a statement to WPTV, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said that Weber was placed on administrative leave. Sheriff Ken Mascara told the station that Weber was using his personal firearm.

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