FREDERICK, Maryland – At approximately 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, officers responded to the 1400 Block of Key Parkway for what was initially reported as a building explosion.
Upon arriving on scene, officers and other emergency personnel quickly determined that no such explosion had occurred, but that a firearm discharge had. During the investigation, officers determined an individual, later identified as Paul Viera, 25, unintentionally discharged a firearm in the unit sending a bullet through the floor, nearly striking an infant living in the unit below.
While in the home, officers located a firearm and body armor in plain view and obtained a search warrant for the home. Due to the bullet nearly striking the infant, Viera was charged with reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm in city limits.
“It cannot be overstated the importance of the word ‘responsible’ when it comes to responsible gun ownership,” said Jason Lando, Chief of Police. “Yesterday afternoon came dangerously close to ending in tragedy when a stray bullet came within inches of an infant. If you own or handle firearms, please be responsible, treat every gun as though it is loaded and take the time to go through firearm safety courses before you bring a gun into your home.”
FPD
News by Breaking911
