Sentry Hardware employee Tim Lawrence points out the spot where a large caliber rifle round entered the building before being stopped by a box of bilge tubing. The accidental discharge of the round happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 18. Sentry Hardware employee Tim Lawrence points out the spot where a large caliber rifle round entered the building before being stopped by a box of bilge tubing. The accidental discharge of the round happened at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 18.
Employees on shift and patrons who were shopping at Sentry Hardware on Thursday, Oct. 18 can thank their lucky stars that they weren’t in the wrong place at the wrong time – when a 30-06 round flew through the building’s upper level.
According to Wrangell Police Department Lieutenant Merlin Ehlers, officers responded to the store at approximately 1:30 p.m. after a single round was discharged from a vehicle parked in front of the business. Ehlers said a child who had been left unattended fired the round from what he called a “large caliber hunting rifle.”
According to WPD chief Doug McCloskey, the child involved is 4 years old.
The bullet traveled through at least four inches of wood flooring, entered a box containing more than 30 feet of plastic bilge tubing and came to rest between three layers of cardboard.
Police have not released the name of the driver of the vehicle, though McCloskey added that the department has referred the case to prosecutors for possible charges.
Although the store was open for business and shoppers were inside there were no injuries reported.
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