Deputy discharges firearm in courthouse

A Boone County Courthouse deputy discharged a handgun in the downtown Lebanon building  Friday morning.

Boone County Sheriff's Office said the deputy accidentally fired the handgun while showing it to a courthouse employee at about 11:30 a.m. The Sheriff's Office said the two were in an unused office that used to house the prosecutor's office and Division of Child Support. The gun was a personal backup weapon that was not issued by the department.

The Sheriff's Office said the round struck the corner of a wall and ceiling.

No one was injured during the incident. The deputy's name has not been released.

Sgt. Chris Burcham, spokesman for Sheriff's Office, said he is unaware of a firearm going off in the courthouse before. Burcham said the reason the pair was in the unused room is still under investigation. The spokesman said whether or not the deputy will face consequences is to be determined by the Firearms Review Board.

Burcham said the Sheriff's Office understands the severity of the issue.

"Unfortunately it does happen due to daily firearm use," he said.

In a release, Sheriff Mike Nielson said the incident was unfortunate.

"An accidental discharge at any time is thoroughly investigated," Nielson wrote. "It could happen to anyone, and in this case, it was a veteran deputy. This validates the reason for ongoing firearm training. I am relieved that no one was injured."

Call IndyStar reporter Olivia Lewis at (317) 444-6126. Follow her on Twitter: @TheWrittenPeace.