Deputy’s Shot Grazes Colleague’s Hand

An Orange County sheriff’s deputy is recovering from a minor gunshot wound to his hand after he was accidentally shot by another deputy Tuesday morning.

The undercover deputies, part of the North Gang Enforcement Team, were serving a narcotics warrant in Stanton when the shooting occurred, said Assistant Sheriff George Jaramillo.

“It was not an accidental discharge,� Jaramillo said. “It was an intentional discharge that accidentally grazed the deputy on his hand. We’re just very glad that the injury wasn’t any more serious.�

The deputy was taken to Western Medical Center in Anaheim for treatment.

Jaramillo did not disclose the details that led to the shooting or why the gunfire was necessary. It appears that no department policies were violated, he said.

The sheriff’s department is reviewing the incident, along with investigators from the district attorney’s office.

The names and ages of the deputies were not released.

“They know what they’re doing and are very professional,� Jaramillo said. “This wasn’t a matter of having new and inexperienced personnel out there.�

The suspect, whose name was not released, was taken into custody in the 8000 block of Starr Street, where deputies were serving the warrant.