St. Pete Police Technician Fired For Discharging Rifle In Office

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - A St. Petersburg Police Department forensic technician was fired Monday because he accidentally fired his personal Colt AR 15 rifle in the forensic services office on June 17 The bullet went through a window and across 1st Avenue North. No one was injured and it did not strike any vehicles.

Scott P. Hughes had worked for the police department for 10 years. Hughes had removed the rifle from his assigned locker in the forensic services office. Hughes works as a civilian in the department.

A Command Review Board found that Hughes violated four department rules and regulations: rules of conduct that employees shall be competent in their assigned duties; carrying a firearm into the police department; unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives, or weapons; violation of a city or departmental rule which is considered “for overall seriousness, nature and significance of the misconduct."

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