Police officer Mindy Cardwell was charged after allegedly shooting a driver with his own gun during a traffic stop.
A Florida police officer has been fired after accidentally shooting a motorist with his own gun during a traffic stop in December 2024.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Officer Mindy Cardwell attempted to remove the firearm from driver Jason Arrington’s waist and as she tried to remove it, the gun discharged and struck Mr Arrington in the leg.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Press Release
𝐉𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭
On December 13th, 2024, Police Officer S. Lowry conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Jason Arrington for running a red light. Officers A. Weippert and M. Cardwell responded to assist on the traffic stop. Mr. Arrington, who was cooperative during the traffic stop, informed Officer Lowry that he was armed with a firearm. Officer Lowry directed Mr. Arrington to exit his vehicle, and he cooperated. Officer Cardwell then attempted to remove the firearm from the waist of Mr. Arrington.
While Officer Cardwell was attempting to remove the firearm, it discharged, striking Mr. Arrington in the leg.
The Internal Affairs investigation resulted in a sustained charge of incompetence against Officer Cardwell and JSO has begun termination proceedings for Officer Cardwell.
Consistent with Sheriff Waters’ commitment to transparency, JSO is releasing Body Worn Camera footage from all three officers and a photograph of the damaged steering column.