Man accidentally fires gun, shoots friend in Old Lyme
Old Lyme ― State police have arrested an Old Saybrook man who they say accidentally fired his handgun and shot his friend’s hands.
Jordan Rehberg, 31, of 64 Meadowood Lane, was charged with illegal discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.
At 7:18 p.m. on Saturday, state police said they and Old Lyme Police responsed to a reported gunshot injury at a residence on Portland Avenue Extension.
Police said Rehberg was clearing, or unloading, his handgun at a dining room table with other adults seated nearby when it unintentionally discharged, injuring one of the adults.
Police said the victim suffered injuries to both hands and was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment. Two juveniles were nearby at the time of the incident, which resulted in the risk of injury charges against Rehberg, police said.
Rehberg is free after posting a $10,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment on April 13 at New London Superior Court.
Firearm safety tips from Connecticut State Police
- Always keep firearms pointed in a safe direction.
- Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
- Firearms which are not in use should be unloaded and stored in a locked, secure location.
- Keep your finger away from the trigger until you are aimed at your target and intend to shoot.
- Avoid distractions and stay a safe distance away from others when removing ammunition from or disassembling a firearm.
- Never carry a firearm if you plan to consume alcohol, cannabis, or other intoxicating substances. Keep yourself and other safe by leaving your firearm unloaded and locked in a secure location.
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