Accidental Shooting Leads To Amputation Of Instructor's Leg

TAMPA, FL — A convicted felon has been arrested in connection with an accidental shooting at an indoor gun range that resulted in an employee losing a leg.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Nov 24, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an accidental injury call at Shooters World, 116 E. Fletcher Ave.

A woman was at the range shooting when a shell casing went down her shirt. She reacted by lowering the firearm in her hand, but accidentally turned the muzzle toward a range safety instructor who was working with her. The instructor was struck by a bullet in the right upper thigh and transported to Tampa General Hospital. He ultimately had to have his leg amputated due to the injury.

Eric Anthony Hall, 42, rented the Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol that he and the woman were shooting at the range, despite Hall having three prior felony convictions. Felons are not allowed to be in possession of a firearm, even if that firearm is rented.

On Friday, Hall was charged with felon in possession of firearm. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is also working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which could lead to additional federal charges against Hall.

"It's infuriating to know that this tragedy could have been prevented, and an innocent person would not have been injured, had Eric Hall followed the law as a convicted felon and not rented the weapon to begin with," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "While this victim's life is changed forever because of Hall's decision, I hope that we can bring him some level of justice by making sure the person responsible is prosecuted for his careless actions."