SAPD pilot who shot self in hand ID'd

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Police Department has identified the police helicopter pilot who accidentally shot himself Wednesday in the hand.

Daniel Dominguez, a 19-year veteran of the force, had just finished his shift about 6 a.m. and was preparing to go home, according to a police report released Friday.

Dominguez took his duty pistol, a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson, from his on-duty holster, which was attached to his flight vest, according to police. He was transferring it to his off-duty leather shoulder holster, which was hanging from a hook on the right side of his locker, police said.

Dominguez told supervisors he was holding the holster with his left hand and trying to insert the pistol when it went off. The bullet went through the bottom of the holster and through the bottom of Dominguez's left hand, below his little finger.

The bullet lodged itself in a paperback book on the left side of Dominguez's locker.

Another officer was in the office, heard the gunshot and asked if Dominguez was OK. The officer called 911 after Dominguez responded that he had shot himself.

Dominguez and another officer then walked into the helicopter bay in search of towels to control the bleeding, according to police.

Dominguez was taken to University Hospital in good condition for treatment.

amalik@express-news.net Twitter: @AliaAtSAEN