A Florida cop, Mindy Cardwell, is facing termination after accidentally shooting a driver, Jason Arrington, 39, with his own gun during a routine traffic stop in Jacksonville on December 13, 2024.

Arrington, pulled over for running a red light, was cooperative throughout the stop. He disclosed to the cop who initially stopped him that he was carrying a firearm holstered in his waistband, as shown in body camera footage. Officer Mindy Cardwell and another officer were summoned to assist with a traffic stop on December 13 after Jason Arrington, 39, was pulled over for running a red light, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

The incident

When Officer Cardwell attempted to remove the firearm from Arrington’s waistband after he exited his car, the gun accidentally discharged. The bullet struck Arrington in his upper thigh, causing a severe arterial bleed.

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Other officers on the scene applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. Arrington was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.

Legal fallout and investigation

Arrington has since filed a lawsuit against the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), citing lasting injuries that have hindered his ability to work as a crane operator.

An internal investigation by the JSO determined that Officer Cardwell had been incompetent in handling the situation. The department has announced its intention to terminate her employment.

Public reaction and unanswered questions

While the incident raises concerns about training and firearm safety protocols, it remains unclear whether the gun’s safety mechanism was engaged at the time of the accidental discharge.

This case has sparked conversations about the accountability and preparedness of law enforcement officers in high-pressure situations.