Crime & Safety
Man Dies In Accidental Shooting In St. Pete: Pinellas County Sheriff
Two roommates were pointing guns at each other, thinking they were unloaded, when one was accidentally shot in the chest, PCSO said.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Deputies are investigating an accidental fatal shooting in unincorporated St. Petersburg, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office news release.
When they responded to a home on 49th Avenue N. on Sunday around 5 p.m., they found 50-year-old Kevin Bishop lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the chest.
His roommate, William Tompkins, 57, was also in the home.
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The two were drinking alcohol at the home while Bishop showed Tompkins multiple guns that he owned. He told his roommate that the guns were unloaded, the sheriff’s office said.
Tompkins told detectives that he and Bishop pointed guns at each other and themselves, pulling the triggers. The guns didn’t fire.
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Bishop took a Glock 21 from Tompkins and as Tompkins’ fingers released from the gun, Bishop grabbed it and was accidentally shot in the chest, the sheriff’s office said.
Tompkins left the home and called 911. Bishop was brought to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
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