Accidental shooting sends two to hospital with minor injuries

AMARILLO - Officers were called to a shooting Thursday night right across the street from the night club where a man was found beat to death Monday morning, but no criminal investigation ensued.

Right now police are investigating Thursday evening's incident as a "public accident case" though two people were sent to the hospital.

It happened just after 6:00 p.m. at Erwin's Pawn shop on 10th Street right across from the Chakalozas night club.

Police say one round was accidentally fired.

Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Jeff Tormey, Erwin Pawn shop's attorney, said the gun fired was a glock handgun belonging to a store employee.

He said the gun fell to the ground and went off as the employee tried to pick it back up.

"It's not unusual. This is a pawn shop, they deal in a lot of gold and jewelry and firearms and it's not uncommon for those kinds of establishments here in town to have their employees armed," Tormey said.

Tormey said he believes the bullet fragmented into several pieces when it hit the ground, hitting two or three people. Only two were transported to the hospital.

Police say no criminal charges are likely to be filed.