FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Flagler County deputy has been relieved of his law enforcement responsibilities after an incident last year where an errant bullet struck an 11-year-old boy, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
The event took place in August when Master Deputy Bryan Jackson, while off duty, was firing his daughter’s rifle at a backyard target, according to official reports from the agency.
Unfortunately, one of the shots strayed, grazing a young boy who was engrossed in a video game inside a nearby residence, as disclosed by deputies.
In a distressing 911 call, the boy’s mother relayed, “Someone is shooting outside, and the bullet went through the house, hitting my son’s wrist and then his neck.”
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On Thursday, it was announced that Jackson is facing a charge of culpable negligence, and he has been reassigned to administrative duties.
“This was a very thorough and comprehensive investigation that took time and included a recreation of the incident and a forensic firearm analysis by FBI experts in Quantico, (Virginia),” Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge said. “As with any case, Master Deputy Jackson is entitled to due process, and the facts in this case and any formal charges against him will be decided by the State Attorney’s Office.”
Even after the criminal case ends, though, Strobridge advised that the sheriff’s office will conduct an internal investigation to determine whether he violated any of the agency’s policies.
Jackson has been with the agency since 2013.
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