Holly MatkinDoral, FL – A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officer and another man were both shot inside an Argentinian restaurant on Sunday night after the officer’s firearm fell to the floor and discharged, according to investigators.
Doral Police Department (DPD) Spokesperson Rey Valdes said the incident occurred at Nahuen Gourmet Market on Northwest 41st Street at approximately 8 p.m. on Nov. 13, the Miami Herald reported.
A wine-tasting event was being held at the restaurant at the time, according to WTVJ.
The officer and the unidentified man were eating dinner when the accidental shooting took place.
The officer stood up at some point during the meal, at which point his gun fell to the floor, Valdes told the Miami Herald.
He noted that the firearm was not holstered at the time.
It is unclear whether the gun was in the officer’s pocket or in his lap, Valdes told the Miami Herald.
The firearm discharged on impact, shooting the officer in his thigh before the round struck the second man in the ankle.
The men were both transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Miami with non-life threatening injuries, Valdes told the Miami Herald.
The officer and the wounded man were slated to be released from the hospital Monday morning.
Their identities were not immediately released.
It is unclear whether the DHS officer was on-duty at the time of the incident.
Valdes said investigators believe the shooting was an accident, the Miami Herald reported.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office will ultimately decide whether criminal charges will be filed.
Sandy Malone
