Vic Ryckaert

vic.ryckaert@indystar.com

Two days after accidentally firing his handgun into the floor of an Anderson restaurant, Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings acknowledges he could have done more to prevent the mishap.

No one was injured after the shooting inside the Texas Roadhouse about 11 p.m. Saturday. Cummings said he thinks his new 9 mm gun's safety disengaged when he placed it inside the front pocket of his shorts. The gun then fired into the floor as Cummings walked out the door.

"It was a new gun. I've only had it for a couple weeks," said Cummings, who noted he has carried a firearm for 36 years as a prosecutor and a police officer.

"I always try to be as safe as I can," Cummings said. "Carrying a gun in my pocket is probably not the smartest move."

Firearm safety has become an important issue in Central Indiana, with tragic headlines becoming a common occurrence.

In April, a 2-year-old boy died after he accidentally shot himself with a handgun he found in his mother's purse in a home on the northwest side. In May, a 10-year-old died in another accidental shooting on the east side. In June, former Indianapolis Colts running back Zurlon Tipton died in Michigan after accidentally shooting himself while reaching for a bag containing two handguns. One discharged, hitting him in the stomach.

Fortunately, in Anderson, the only damage was to the floor.

Cummings said he plans to have the gun examined by an armorer to ensure there are no mechanical problems. He also plans to buy a holster.

"I will not in the future have a round in the chamber," he said. "It's just not worth the risk."

Call IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at (317) 444-2701. Follow him on Twitter:@vicryc.

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