Accidental Shooting Leads To Arrest, More Possible Charges

Edmonson Voice Staff
Emergency personnel responded to a call on Harvest Lane in Bee Spring on Friday night, Feb 26, where a man accidentally shot himself in the hand.

Sheriff's deputies said they found John Downs, 51, with a gunshot wound to left hand and forearm. Deputies said that according to Downs, he was holding a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his right hand with his left hand in front of the barrel. Reports said the Downs told them that as he attempted to "rack" or "cock" the weapon, the pistol discharged, where the bullet entered his palm and exited his forearm.

Deputies said that Downs showed several signs of being under the influence of narcotics and deputies found a straw and other suspected drugs along with what appeared to be crushed pills and evidence of where the substance had been snorted.

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Sheriff Doyle uses a laser trajectory to trace the bullet path. The bullet was found in an adjacent storage building, lodged in a cabinet.

Deputies then requested a search warrant and after it was granted, they reported they found multiple firearms and drug paraphernalia in the house. Jeffery Saling, 36, of Bee Spring was arrested on site and charged with Convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

John Downs was not arrested on site, but transported to Twin Lakes Regional Hospital in Leitchfield, then transferred to Jewish Hospital in Louisville where deputies said he was released from the hospital the next day.

Deputies said Downs could face multiple charges that will be presented at the next Edmonson County Grand Jury, including felony wanton endangerment and possession of controlled substance charges.

Also responding to the scene was Edmonson EMS.

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