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Click here for more from KSL Newsradio 1160.(West Valley City, KSL News) A forensic test on a weapon in the West Valley City evidence lab went horribly wrong today. Now, a veteran forensics investigator is fighting for his life.
The forensics expert was examining a gun when it accidentally discharged.
The victim is the director of forensics investigations with the West Valley City Police Dept.
TAMMY KIKUCHI, WEST VALLEY CITY:"WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS TO ONE OF OUR OWN...IT'S UH...IT'S VERY TRAUMATIZING."
A gun he was examining late this afternoon discharged, firing a bullet through his chest. He is listed in extremely critical condition, with major arterial damage.
"WE'RE ALL PRAYING FOR HIM RIGHT NOW."
An accident that never should have happened.
"THIS IS JUST VERY UNEXPECTED. VERY UNEXPECTED."
The director of forensics investigations with West Valley Police shot in the chest...
When a rifle he was inspecting for fingerprints accidentally went off.
TAMMY KIKUCHI, WEST VALLEY CITY:"TO SEE EVERYBODY COME TOGETHER AND WRAP THEIR ARMS AROUND EACH OTHER AND GIVE THEM SUPPORT, IT'S VERY ENCOURAGING."
The 38 year old veteran investigator was working alone in the forensics lab in the basement of the West Valley City Hall when the rifle discharged.
In the five years he's been with the department he has apparently examined hundreds, if not thousands of guns. Making today's accident that much more shocking.
"THIS IS A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY, BASICALLY SO ITS REAL TOUGH."
As a rule, loaded guns are not allowed into evidence unless the round of ammunition is part of the investigation.
Which may have been the case today.
ASST. CHIEF CRAIG GIBSON, WEST VALLEY CITY POLICE DEPT.:"IF HE DID KNOW IT WAS LOADED, IT WAS SOMETHING OBVIOUS TO HIM THAT IT NEEDED TO STAY LOADED IN ORDER TO PROCESS.....VERY EXPERIENCED FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR."
I understand that twenty police officers are here at the Hospital awaiting an update on their coworker's condition.
West Jordan Police and County Sheriff's forensics investigators have offered to step in and help West Valley keep their forensics department going while the remaining investigators recover from the shock of this terrible tragedy.
