A 43-year-old Ferndale man is facing three felony charges after he accidentally shot himself in the backside while shopping in a gas station on the 25000 block of 74th Ave S. in Kent (map below) on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 3, 2024.
The incident, which occurred around 3:15 p.m., prompted a 911 call from a store clerk, who reported that the man had discharged a firearm, then fled the scene in a vehicle.
According to Kent Police, the man entered the store after pumping gas, and while browsing, a gun fell from his pants. He attempted to place it back in his waistband, but as he continued to adjust it, the weapon discharged, striking him in his buttocks.
The man, rather than asking for help, hobbled out of the store and left in a vehicle driven by his girlfriend, also 43 and from Ferndale.
Kent Police quickly responded, with Officer Quidachay leading the investigation at the scene. Officers traced the suspect to an Auburn hospital, where he initially claimed a stranger had shot him in the parking lot. However, security footage contradicted his story, showing the accidental self-inflicted injury inside the store.
Further investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen, and the man, who has prior felony convictions and an active Domestic Violence No Contact order, is legally prohibited from possessing a gun. His girlfriend later cooperated with police, turning over the firearm her boyfriend had hidden in the car.
Due to the man’s injuries, he was transferred to Harborview Medical Center for surgery and has not yet been booked into jail. Police stated that, once released from the hospital, he will face charges for illegal firearm possession, possession of a stolen firearm, and violation of a no-contact order.
“Consider this story a gentle reminder to keep guns in holsters, (or a ‘fanny’ pack) and if you do accidently shoot yourself, please just sit and wait for help to arrive. Your wound will just get worse if you delay,” police said in a statement.
