Officer's pistol discharges by accident, damaging walls, television

McCOOK, Neb. -- No one was injured when an off-duty Red Willow County sheriff's deputy accidentally discharged his service revolver in his McCook apartment about 4 a.m., today.

Sheriff Alan Kotschwar said the deputy was cleaning his .40-caliber handgun when it discharged. The incident requires an investigation by outside law enforcement, and a McCook police officer was dispatched to the deputy's apartment.

Following the investigation by McCook police officers, Police Chief Ike Brown said this morning that no one was injured, and the bullet damaged two walls and a television set.

Sheriff Kotschwar said the deputy is responsible to pay for damages. The incident becomes part of his record and he will be required to complete more weapons training.