Police: 15-year-old shot when mother’s handgun fell from holster

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police say a 15-year-old girl was shot and wounded Monday afternoon, July 30 when her mother’s handgun fell from its holster.

It happened around noon near Burleigh and Holton.

Police said the 41-year-old woman was also struck by gunfire when she attempted to catch the handgun. She grabbed the trigger, shooting herself in the leg, police said.

That bullet then ricocheted off of the concrete and struck her daughter in the leg.

They were both taken to the hospital for treatment.

LESSON: DON’T TRY TO GRAB OR CATCH A FALLING HANDGUN

This is a simple, but important life safety skill to remember.  If you have been to one of our classes, you know this is something we cover early on.  If the gun slips out of your grasp, let it fall to the ground.  Modern handguns, unless modified, will not fire when they fall to the ground.  If you try to catch the falling firearm, you may accidentally catch the trigger, causing the firearm to discharge.  It is unknown which direction the barrel will be pointing and you could end up shooting yourself or someone else.