DOCUMENT: Stupid, Crime

Gun Charge For Dope Who Shot Self Below Belt

Bullet passed through Indiana man's private parts

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Below Belt Charge

MARCH 18--The Indiana man who accidentally shot himself in the penis and scrotum has been charged with carrying a handgun without a license, according to court records.

Mark Anthony Jones, 46, is facing a Class-A misdemeanor weapons charge in connection with the February 28 incident in Marion. A decision to charge Jones (seen at right) was made this month by the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office after police forwarded the case for review.

Jones, who lives in Marion, is the subject of an active arrest warrant filed in Marion City Court.

According to police, Jones suffered an “accidental self-inflicted gunshot injury” while walking on a Marion street around 6:45 AM. During a hospital interview, Jones told cops that he had an unholstered Hi-Point 9mm handgun tucked in his waistband when the weapon “began to slip.”

As detailed in a Marion Police Department report, Jones “stated the gun does not belong to him and would not disclose who the owner was.” Jones claimed that he had been in possession of the firearm for a day and was in the process of purchasing the weapon. While questioning the suspect, an officer “took digital photographs documenting Mr. Jones’ injury/s.”

When, Jones said, he “reached down to adjust” the gun, the firearm discharged. “The bullet entered just above his penis and exited his scrotum,” investigators reported. (3 pages)