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Published: 2012-10-31 16:17:50
Updated: 2012-10-31 16:17:50

Cumberland deputy wounded when gun accidentally fires


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A Cumberland County Sheriff's Office deputy was wounded Wednesday morning when his service weapon accidentally fired as he was leaving home to drive to work, authorities said.

Maj. John R. McRainey, the chief jailer at the Cumberland County Detention Center, underwent surgery at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and was in stable condition.

McRainey was putting a bag in his vehicle when his .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun, which was inside the bag, discharged, authorities said. Investigators said the gun apparently bumped against another item in the bag, which McRainey often used to transport the gun.

"Although it is always a tragedy anytime that anyone suffers a gunshot wound, we are just thankful that it was no worse than it was," Sheriff Earl "Moose" Butler said in a statement.


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Latest Comments
"Who cares what sort of six shooter it was?" - piene2

I doubt it was a six shooter. But the type of firearm matters Lightfoot3

I agree with piene2. Who cares what sort gun it was? The story isn't about a gun. The story is about some fool that shot himself with his own gun.

"No thanks, I will take my chances unarmed." - davido

Read the obituaries for those that did the same.

"Who cares what sort of six shooter it was?" - piene2

I doubt it was a six shooter. But the type of firearm matters because it could signify a design issue with a particular firearm, or perhaps it could be used in future safety training classes. In order to learn from mistakes, they need all the facts.

"Let us all remember that every illegal six gun started out as a legal six gun." - piene2

I doubt the firearm itself is illegal. The issue is with the criminal.

"No, guns are ALWAYS dangerous. All it takes is for some yahoo to steal yours (or someone else's) and blam blam, game over. Or (fill in the blank) accidental or purposeful discharge.

No thanks, I will take my chances unarmed. davido"

Exactly right! Let us all remember that every illegal six gun started out as a legal six gun. When the bad guys want a six shooter they all know that all they have to do is find some six gun packing Yahoo and take his.

Who cares what sort of six shooter it was? The story is that some fool cop threw a loaded gun in a bag and shot himself. Instead of worrying about if it was a glockenspiel or some other type of six shooter we should be worrying about how long it is going to get the cop on unemployment.

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