Phoenix police officer injured after accidentally firing his service weapon while at station

A police officer was taken to hospital Monday morning after accidentally firing his service weapon, injuring himself.

The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. at the South Mountain Police Station, near 7th and Southern avenues.

The officer was in the rear parking lot of the police station when he “accidentally fired his service weapon,” authorities said.

He reportedly suffered a lower body injury that is not considered life-threatening.

The officer was taken to a nearby hospital for his injuries.

An internal investigation into the incident is underway.

The incident comes just weeks after Scottsdale Detective Ryan So was killed in the line of duty.

ABC15 spoke with Lon Bartel, who served on the Peoria Police Department for decades and has a long history with law enforcement and firearms training.

“From what I understand from the information, there are two very different circumstances in which this happened,” Bartel said of the two incidents.

He said that upon arrival at the academy, officers are taught the four basic rules of firearm safety. But even with that instruction, Bartel told ABC15 he has still seen some confusing situations. But, he said, the incidents the Valley has seen are still “rare.”

“So, you know, just because there were two in the Valley, it doesn't necessarily mean there's a causal connection to them or what actually happened,” Bartel said.

He added that we will have to be patient and wait for the results of the investigation. Bartel explained to ABC15 that it could take some time and that it all depends on different factors.