Austin W.* (23†) and Andrew L.* (22) were best friends. After high school, the Americans fulfilled their biggest dream and became police officers at the Brevard County Sheriffs Office in Florida (USA). Everything was going well until it turned into an absolute nightmare.
The two men had invited friends over to their Palm Bay home for online video games over the weekend, as reported by the “News 13” TV station. When they took a break, Andrew L. jokingly pulled out his service weapon. Believing it was not loaded, he aimed it at his friend and pulled the trigger.
But then a shot was fired that hit Austin W. just below his right eye, a police statement said. Andrew L. immediately called 911. In a panic, he tried to explain that he had just accidentally shot his friend. But for Austin W. all help came too late, he died of his gunshot wound before rescuers arrived.
“A bad and negligent decision”
Police Chief Wayne Ivey wrote of the tragedy “heartbroken” on Facebook. “In an extremely stupid and avoidable accident, a valued member of our police force dies and the life of another fine young man is forever changed – through a bad and careless decision!”
Andrew L. was devastated, writes Ivey. After all, his best friend died because of him. “Yet there is no excuse for this tragic and completely preventable death,” Ivey said.
The young police officer was arrested after the incident and is now charged with first degree manslaughter. He was denied bail. (lrc)
* Names known