By Moses Leos III.
A discharge of a firearm inside of the Hays Communities Family YMCA last week has the Buda Police Department stressing gun safety.
The incident happened Thursday when a loaded Derringer pistol went off inside of a YMCA member’s purse. No one was injured as a result.
According to the police incident report, Buda officer Josh Albarez was dispatched at approximately 7:24 p.m. The person involved was waiting to speak with him upon his arrival, according to the report.
The individual told Albarez she was “rummaging through her purse,” when her un-holstered .38-caliber Derringer pistol went off.
Hays Community YMCA Executive Director Bret Kiester was notified of the incident. He said the pool area was cleared, with lifeguards seeking a blown ballast.
Activities resumed when lifeguards found nothing.
But the individual informed management when other members were curious to “what the loud pop sound was.”
She told Albarez she normally keeps her firearm in the car, but forgot to remove it from her purse ahead of time.
It is unknown if the YMCA member, who is a Russian immigrant according to police, holds a Concealed Handgun License (CHL).
According to the report, the officer advised the woman of the “seriousness of her actions. “ He then issued a citation for discharge of a firearm within city limits, per city ordinance.
The incident is a cause for concern with Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd.
While he said such an incident is rare, he still stressed the importance of gun safety — specifically the practice of placing a small firearm in a purse.
“It’s dangerous to put a gun in purse with other small items,” Kidd said. “That is going to cause potential hazard. That’s what happened in this case.”
Kidd said the YMCA member could have faced other charges. Unlawful carry of a weapon may not have been one of them.
He said recent legislation has changed the law “quite a bit.”
Section 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code says people cannot “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly” carry a gun beyond their own premises or vehicle.
However, Kidd says that’s not always the case, saying exceptions are made.
Currently, the YMCA is assessing damage, but has not been given an estimate.
Such an event is a first for Kiester, who stressed the YMCA is doing “everything that needs to be done to ensure the safety of all our members.”
“I’ve worked (with the YMCA) for almost 12-years, and I’ve never had this happen before,” Kiester said.
Keeping a firearm safe, secure and out of sight is key for Kidd.
“People should keep (firearms) secured in either a holster or case, where other objects aren’t going to activate it,” he said. “A small gun like (a Derringer) in anything is a recipe for disaster.”
