Man Accidentally Shoots Himself Loading Handgun at Action Pawn

The Action Pawn on Knickerbocker Rd and South Bryant lived up to its name this morning, when an older gentleman accidentally shot himself in the hand.

Police scanner traffic indicated that the man is still conscious and breathing. At the scene are SAPD patrol units, Medic 1 and a fire truck. According the scanner, CSI has also been called to the scene.

The man is currently in the ambulance and the store has been closed.

Update 1:10 p.m.

Medic 1 has just sped by the LIVE! offices with lights and sirens on heading to Shannon. CSI has arrived to photograph the scene.

Update 1:48 p.m.

Sergeant Greg Keeling of the San Angelo Police Department explained that the male customer had gone into the store to get a handgun that he had pawned and was unaware the gun was loaded. 

"He was handling the gun and apparently didn't know that it was loaded. He was handling the gun and it discharged. It was an accidental discharge," Keeling said. 

The bullet went through his hand and he was taken to Shannon Medical Center. Sgt. Keeling said the man was in the process of loading the gun before he left the store and accidentally fired it into his hand. 

The gun was a .45 caliber handgun. Sgt. Keeling said there was no criminal intent.

The man is 53 years old and a regular customer of Action Pawn. The store will remained closed for the forseeable future to allow staff time to clean up the blood.