Off-duty policeman accidentally fires gun at Four Winds Casino
Off-duty policeman accidentally fires gun at Four Winds Casino Save Email Print
Posted: 1:21 AM Jan 12, 2009
 Last Updated: 1:21 AM Jan 12, 2009
38 comments
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On Saturday night, police were called to the Four Winds Casino after reports of shots fired.

Officials say a handgun accidentally went off at the casino.

Fortunately, no one was hurt.

In a statement released Sunday, a representative of the Four Winds says the man who accidentally fired the weapon was an active, off-duty police officer from the University of Chicago Police Department.

The gun owner had minor injuries from powder burns.

So far, no one is facing charges.
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Posted by: HM on Jan 14, 2009 at 03:47 PM
What arrogance! Police officers cannot carry into another country without permission from that country. Why do so many believe all officers (Mall cops included) have an inalienable right to carry wherever they want? Indian casinos are sovereign land, meaning they are controlled not by the US government but by the trbal councils.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 13, 2009 at 01:43 PM
guns only go off when your finger is on the trigger
Posted by: Mike Location: South Bend on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:16 PM
A campus cop carrying a handgun in a casino? Was he trying to protect the patrons from losing money while they were gambling?? What an idiot.
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:30 AM
After an investigation the officer was shooting at one of the "One Arm Bandits". He should take a lost like a man, like the rest of us have to.
Posted by: AM Location: Granger on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:17 AM
You know, I agree that this appears to be a pretty stupid mistake, especially since he's an officer on a college campus; doesn't seem to be a reason to carry a weapon off campus. However, you people who are bashing the police need to remember that our officers are on duty 24/7 for YOU. I'm sure you'd feel differently if your life was threatened and a police officer that just happened to be there, off duty, stepped up and drew his gun, saving your life. How would you feel if that officer took a bullet for you? Come on people, I'm not saying this guy didn't do anything wrong. I'm just asking you to remember that the majority of police officers are dedicated to serving our community and you never know when you might need their assistance - give them a break.
Posted by: t Location: mishawaka on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I agree if it would be anyone but a cop, they would be in jail. To many cops get away with things the average person does not. I use to date a cop and I remember the stories he and his friends use to talk about. Just because you are a cop does not make you a saint by any means. Most of them have a lot of depression, and personal issues that carries over from job/home life. There should be more psychological testing done on officers since they do carry guns and deal with a lot of issues daily the average person does not. I wonder how many would pass?
Posted by: To SBPD Location: south bend on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:05 AM
No one is a police hater. There are some very brave and honest ones out there. But there are also a lot of things the police get away with that the average citizen would not. Do you agree? There is alot of cover up that goes on and alot of bending the rules.
Posted by: TMS Location: SB, IN on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Before you start judging people TRY WALKING ON WATER!! No one is perfect.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:13 PM
hey you mental giants, Police can carry in all states without a permit. educate yourselves before posting your ignorance.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:09 PM
moron
Posted by: SM Location: BH on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:37 PM
THUMPER: Get a life, just because she is pregnant doesnt mean she is an invalid who has to stay in her own home. I am glad to hear that this case is being reviewed by the federal government. What a moron.....guns do not "accidentally discharge" themselves.
Posted by: Sue Location: New Buffalo on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Nobody is hating on the police. They are simply stating if it were a civilian they would have suffered harsher punishment and as an officer wouldn't you agree SBPD? I know if it had been myself, my mug shot would have been printed along with my NAME in this article. THAT YOU COULD BET ON AND WIN!
Posted by: who Location: where on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:03 PM
tribal land is soveriegn now? then why do federal laws still apply on tribal land? that makes no sense to me whatsoever. i dont believe anyone else would have walked away without jail time, so it should be that way for cops too.
Posted by: David Location: Tague on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:21 PM
Plaxico Burris from New York Giants ring a bell look where he is and his career could possibly be over!
Posted by: Heidi Location: New Carlisle on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:45 PM
What is the deal....Why is anyone carrying a loaded gun into the casino? What are you planning to do with it anyways? and haven't you heard of the safety button? As a pregnant women who was just at the casino, I guess Im going to have to think twice about my safety there. Are we going to metal detectors next? What about all the little kids that are in the kid zone there...? What about there safety. I hope that officer never returns to "our" casino. New Buffalo has always been a "safe" community.
Posted by: James Location: Michigan on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:50 PM
Federal law allows law enforcement officers to carry their weapons in places where a CCW does not, such as bars, churches, etc. Tribal law shouldn't supersede federal law. He messed up, and shot a gun that was in his pocket, and no one was hurt. It was an accident, I say give the guy a break. I'm sure his police department will be taking disciplinary action against him. He'll be lucky to keep his job!
Posted by: Proud SBPD on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:06 PM
Can any of you cop haters get a real life?
Posted by: tm Location: st. joe county on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Same old song and dance cops are above the law! Anyone else would be in jail. It is amazing how much cops are "allowed" to get away with. It is a no wonder people are losing respect for them. Sad state of affairs.
Posted by: Matt Location: Middle Class on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:02 PM
What a moron! A police officer makes a mistake. I don't believe it! Well I guess the 70 year old woman that held the man at gun point till the cops showed up should be appointed to his job. It is sad the unemployment rate being so high but we have cops that cant even control there weapons and they still have jobs. At least we won't have to worry about this much longer because with Obama/Osama being in office the police department won't be able to afford shells for there guns because he will tax ammo 500%. Oh, I forgot he will just raise our taxes so they can continue to keep people like this on the force.
Posted by: TO SM Location: MI on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Thirdly, the casino is in Michigan
Posted by: BaM Location: NC on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:16 PM
I guess some cops and judges in that part of the country are exempted from guns laws.
Posted by: Woody Location: Granger on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:09 PM
I wonder if his insurance will cover his apparent ED...accidental discharge.
Posted by: Mogen David Location: New Buffalo on Jan 12, 2009 at 01:08 PM
I am never surprised at what a side show this casino is becoming. At one time Harbor Country was considered the Hamptons of the midwest. Now it should be compared to Atlantic City. Bring on the water park and country fried chicken.
Posted by: Scott Location: SJ and Dayton OH on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I was wondering why he'd be packing a gun in a casino. Even if he has a CCW permit that Michigan honors, you aren't supposed to carry a weapon in places that serve alcohol, like a bar/casino. Maybe being a cop he thinks he's exempt, but he was off duty, and OUT OF STATE. He should have left the weapon in the car. I don't know the laws about carrying a weapon on Indian land, but I wonder if any joe schmoe with a CCW permit can carry on indian land legally? Anyhow, there is no accidental discharge, it's neglect. He either didn't have the weapon secured, or the safety wasn't engaged properly. Lucky he didn't shoot someone. I think he should be charged with reckless discharge of a firearm personally.
Posted by: Myrt on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:09 PM
To SM: didn't know that it was against the law to carry on tribal land. You learn something new everyday! It is hard to believe that a police officer (of all people) could have their gun "accidently" discharge.
Posted by: Frank Location: Mi on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Give Andy the bullet back barney
Posted by: me Location: SB on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:05 AM
If you read the story towards the end I think it clarifies something, this guy wasnt a REAL police officer, he is a campus cop, all they are used to doing is busting minors and riding segways. GLORIFIED MALL COP!!!!
Posted by: DB Location: NE Indiana on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Yes, accidents DO happen, and cops ARE regular Joe's just like us. They put their pants on one leg at a time too, so why are they not allowed to make mistakes? I do not know this officer and don't live in the area, but we are all human and yes, he is lucky no one got hurt by this flying bullet, but before you start throwing stones, you'd better be perfect.
Posted by: Michael Location: South Bend on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Come on!! No accident, drunk, disorderly, and stupid. I'm sure the police and the casino will sweep this under the rug.
Posted by: SM Location: BH on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:32 AM
First of all, it is against the law to carry on tribal land. Tribal land is considered a soveriegn nation. Secondly, Indiana honors other states permits. Anyone else would be facing charges and looking at losing their permit to carry. What an idiot. I have carried for many years, and have never had my gun "accidentally" discharge.
Posted by: Kelly Location: South Bend on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:26 AM
I was there when the gun went off. I heard it, and it was close to me. I looked around and no one was reacting to it. I reacted by leaving the area because I didn't know if it was an accident or maybe an estranged spouse...then when I saw the police running toward that area with their guns drawn, I moved even farther away and left. There are too many incidents anymore where the bystanders are getting injured/killed. I am still concerned because many people just went about their business like nothing happened. There are signs posted as you come into the casino - "no fireams allowed" - and that doesn't mean if you have a license to carry that you are exempt. It could have been a lot worse of an outcome and thank goodness it wasn't. Good job to the quick response of the police officers.
Posted by: Flying Dutchmen on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Anybody else would be sitting in jail waiting for a court date.
Posted by: hmmm on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I suppose accidents happen? But you somewhat expect this to happen to a regular Joe that maybe wouldn't know better.
Posted by: john Location: N B michigan on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:56 AM
I was there when it happened, very scary. I can't believe that an off duty policeman from a different state would need to be carring a weapon in a casino no less.Seems that guns,gambling, booze would not be a good mix to me.
Posted by: Sue Location: South Bend on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:41 AM
Was it Barney Fife?
Posted by: Myrt on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:11 AM
To Charlie: It is still a free country and if he is licensed, he is allowed to carry the gun. I have to wonder why it is classified as an "accidental" shooting since he supposedly has been trained in using a gun. Evidently, he needs to go to safety training again to learn that his gun should be secured until he needs to use it.
Posted by: charlie Location: niles on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:04 AM
Why is a cop from another state allowed to have his gun, in our state
Posted by: Michelle Location: Mi on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:25 AM
I am wondering why no charges have been filed, is it because he is a cop? What if this accidental shooting would have hit another person?
Posted by: mark Location: granger on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:17 AM
sorry no such thing as an accidental shooting, its called neglect on ol super cops part.

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