St. Paul man avoids jail after accidental shooting at school

On January 18, during an open house event at Como Park Elementary School in St. Paul, a man accidentally shot himself in the leg while playing basketball with his daughter. Lamont Ray, the individual involved, was in the presence of numerous families when the incident occurred. He was legally allowed to carry a firearm, but St. Paul Public Schools prohibits firearms on its premises. Ray's handgun discharged due to his decision not to wear a holster, as he had spilled water on it and was struggling to keep his pants up. Following the incident, Ray was treated at a local hospital and later released. He faced legal consequences for his actions, resulting in a guilty plea to a gross misdemeanor charge of recklessly handling a dangerous weapon. The court documents indicate that no one else was injured during the incident, which could have had more severe repercussions given the setting. In court, Ray was sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation, avoiding jail time despite the gravity of the situation. This decision reflects the court's consideration of the accidental nature of the shooting and Ray's legal right to carry a firearm. However, it raises questions about safety protocols and the implications of carrying weapons in public spaces, especially where children are present. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with firearms, particularly in environments frequented by families and children. It highlights the need for stricter adherence to safety measures and regulations regarding firearms in schools to prevent similar occurrences in the future.