Culture

Child Accidentally Fires SWAT Team's Gun at Literacy Fair in California

Why is a SWAT team at a book fair?

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Police are investigating after an officer's gun was accidentally discharged by a child at August's Literacy Fair in downtown Lodi.

"This should have never happened, especially in an environment where children were present," Lodi Police Chief Mark Helms said.

On Aug. 24, SWAT Officer Robert Rench was displaying tactical equipment to children at the Lodi Public Library. A boy — around 6 to 8 years old — walked up behind Rench and pulled the trigger of his holstered handgun, say officials.

As a result, the bullet grazed the side of the officer's leg.