Accidental gunshot wounds reserve deputy candidate

MOSES LAKE  — Jake L. Hebdon, 29, Moses Lake, accidently shot and wounded himself during reserve police officer training Saturday in Moses Lake.

“They were online for live fire, getting used to pulling their weapons from secure holsters,” Grant County Undersheriff John Turley said. “He accidently lost control of his weapon as he pulled it from his holster.”

Reserve candidate Hebdon was using a Springfield Armory 1911 .45 caliber pistol with full metal jacket rounds when the pistol fired. The bullet entered his abdomen, lodging in his right buttock.

“He lost his grip and tried to grab his gun instead of letting it fall … and somehow one of his fingers got into the trigger and trigger housing,” Turley said.

He was attended to immediately by a Quincy EMT, who was training to be a reserve officer. Grant County Fire District 5 transported Hebdon to the Samaritan Healthcare. He was scheduled to be released today.

There were more than 20 reserve candidates for law enforcement agencies, including the sheriff’s office, Quincy police and East Wenatchee, training to use firearms. There were five instructors and two safety officers taking part in the training when it occurred.

Turley said it was an accidental discharge and does not necessarily mean Hebdon will fail the academy.

“He’s not losing his position but he will definitely be in remedial firearm instruction,” said Turley. “We have dismissed candidates for doing stupid things (with firearms.)”

Moses Lake police investigated the shooting as it took place at their shooting range.

Reserve officers are volunteer police officers, who assist law enforcement agencies.

“They have the full authority to arrest when they are in service and can be activated at any time,” said Turley.