Albuquerque, NM – An alarming incident unfolded in an Albuquerque restaurant when a negligent discharge of a firearm resulted in the injury of a fellow diner. The event took place in the dining area of Duran’s Central Pharmacy.
The incident, captured on security camera footage, reportedly showed the man attempted to put his phone in his pocket. The gun either discharges while in his pocked or drops on the floor and discharges. A patron, who was seated nearby, was struck by a bullet, or possibly ricochet fragments, which necessitated surgery to remove them from his head. Despite the traumatic experience, the injured man has been released from the hospital and is expected to recover.
In the aftermath, many customers fled, while the suspect picked up an item from the floor, possibly the gun, and left the premises. He was described as a six-foot-tall, heavy-set man, distinctively wearing a hoodie with the words “assholes live forever.”
An accompanying woman briefly checked on the victim before leaving with the suspect in a truck. Duran’s, in response to the incident, reiterated their policy of prohibiting weapons inside the restaurant, as per state law, due to the serving of alcohol.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing inquiry.
Firstly, the manner in which the firearm was carried raises significant concerns. A responsible gun owner should always use a reputable holster that securely holds the firearm, preventing negligent discharges. If a pocket carry is chosen, then that pocket should be dedicated solely to the firearm, free from other items like phones that could interfere with the trigger. The fact that this gun either discharged from within a pocket or fell to the floor and discharged indicates a serious lapse in responsible carrying practices.
The irony of the suspect’s attire – a hoodie with “Assholes Live Forever” – is not lost in this scenario. His actions following the negligent discharge – calmly leaving the scene without attending to the victim – display a disturbing disregard for the consequences of his actions. Hopefully, with the help of survaliance footage inside and outside of the restaurant, authorized will catch up to this “asshole” and throw him in jail.
This incident also serves as a stark reminder to concealed carriers about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Carrying a trauma kit, including essential items like a tourniquet, hemostatic dressing, chest seal, and gauze, can be as crucial as the firearm itself. Being equipped to provide immediate medical assistance in the aftermath of a shooting – whether accidental or intentional – can make a significant difference in outcomes for the injured.
In summary, this unfortunate event underscores the need for responsible gun ownership, adherence to local laws and regulations, and preparedness for emergency medical situations. These are not just best practices but also moral responsibilities for anyone choosing to carry a firearm.
