Training accident sends one to hospital

Transcript Staff

May 28, 2009 01:34 am

— A Cleveland County Sheriff's Department trainee learned Saturday that bulletproof vests do save lives.
Cleveland County Undersheriff Rhett Burnett said deputies and trainees were conducting a training exercise at one of the volunteer fire stations in Slaughterville. Deputies and trainees practiced building searches and handcuffing procedures.
During the exercise, a deputy's service weapon discharged, Burnett said.
"There was an accidental discharge," he said.
Burnett said the bullet struck the trainee's bulletproof vest. The vest prevented the round from penetrating any further.
The trainee was taken to Norman Regional Hospital for observation and released about three hours later, Burnett said.
"The good news was no one was hurt severely," he said.
Burnett said three investigators are looking into the incident. It doesn't appear any policies were violated, he said.