A lot of folks will argue that there is no such thing as an “A/D” or “accidental discharge.” There is only an “N/D” or “negligent discharge.” Accident or negligence, a mishap at the Tinseltown theater complex in Louisville resulted in an injury to a woman at the theater and a wanton endangerment conviction for the man whose pocket pistol went off.

William Newland was waiting in a line at the Tinseltown USA movie theater June 30, 2000, when a handgun in his pocket went off. The bullet ricocheted off the floor and hit a woman in her upper thigh, where it remains lodged to this day. Newland was originally charged with a second-degree felony assault, but the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor count of endangerment.

Newland pleaded guilty to the charges and agreed to a six-month conditional discharge and revocation of his weapon permit for three years.

Pocket guns have become extremely popular for concealed carry due to their size, weight, and convenience, but they bring their own set of problems. Last year, a Tennessee sheriff suffered a painful self-inflicted wound to the leg when his baby Glock became entangled with his car keys in his pocket.

There are some important lessons here about pocket pistols and their carry.

Lessons Learned

• If someone is hurt accidentally with your gun, the law will hold you criminally responsible.
• Be sure that the gun you carry is safe for the mode of carry you chose.
• If you carry a pocket gun, give serious consideration to a quality pocket holster which is fitted for your gun.
• Don’t carry other items like car keys and lighters in the same pocket in which you carry your pistol.