Boy accidently shot by officer
Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 30, 2005
An off-duty Selma Police officer who accidentally shot his 11-year-old nephew in the face has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation, according to Selma Police Assistant Chief Jimmy Martin.
Martin declined to release the officer’s name, but a report from WAKA News indicated the officer was Reginald Fitts.
The accidental shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. Thursday in the 700 block of Lawrence Street.
Martin said he would not release specifics about the shooting until an internal investigation is complete.
“There is not a deadline on when the internal investigation will be finished, but it will be done in a timely fashion,” Martin said.
Police reports indicate a bullet struck the 11-year-old in the mouth and neck after the officer accidentally discharged his duty weapon.
The child was rushed to Vaughan Regional Medical Center by private vehicle, and was later transported Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.
“The injures were non-life threatening and the child was listed in stable condition,” Martin said.
Martin said the internal investigation began immediately following the shooting.
“As standard procedure, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave,” Martin said. “The City of Selma is currently providing a variety of services to both the officer and family member effected by this unfortunate incident.”
Martin said he would not release any further information about the shooting until the end of the investigation.