SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah, Oct. 2, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — An 18-year-old man is in serious but stable condition after his roommate accidentally shot him in the face in South Salt Lake Tuesday evening.
South Salt Lake police executive officer Gary Keller told Gephardt Daily the incident occurred at the Mountain Shadow Apartments at 3761 S. Shadow Glen Lane just before 11:35 p.m.
Two of the four roommates that live in the apartment in question were in the living room when one accidentally discharged a gun, Keller said. The magazine was out and the 18 year old who shot the weapon did not realize there was still a bullet in the chamber.
Keller said the victim was shot from a distance of between 5 and 8 feet. He was shot once in the face and the bullet somehow struck then exited his cheek, though it’s not clear at this time exactly how that happened.
The victim is in serious but stable condition and was talking to investigators when they arrived, Keller said. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening and Keller said the victim is “extremely lucky” the bullet did not strike any of his vital organs.
The roommate who accidentally shot the victim remained at the scene and is being cooperative with police. It doesn’t appear that he will be facing any charges, though the incident is still under investigation.
Neither the victim nor the roommate that shot him have been identified.
Keller said it’s not clear at this time who the gun belongs to, but it is not listed as stolen.
