Officer killed while cleaning his gun

[Illiy]

Police: Officer Killed While Cleaning His Gun
Last Edited: Monday, 19 Nov 2007, 5:53 AM PST Created: Monday, 19 Nov 2007, 5:53 AM PST An officer in Houston was killed when a gun he was cleaning accidentally discharged. (KRIV Image)

By The Associated Press

HOUSTON -- A 24-year veteran of the Houston Police Department was killed in what appeared to be a gun-cleaning accident in his home, police said.
Family members told investigators they returned to their home in southwest Houston about 11 a.m. from an errand and found the body of Donald Lynn DeBlanc, 47.
"There are multiple weapons, cleaning equipment and so forth all laid out on a kitchen table where the officer was found," police Sgt. Nate McDuell said. "It's likely that this could be just a tragic accident."
Extra: Officer Killed In Unusual Accident (Video: MyFoxHouston)
DeBlanc served as a military policeman in the Army before joining the Houston department in 1983. He earned a law degree from Texas Southern University and was considering practicing law after retiring from the police force, said his friend, Clarence Walker, 45.
"Even when he wasn't working, he loved to go to court, loved the law," Walker said.
DeBlanc was involved in the fatal shooting of a Hurricane Katrina evacuee in May 2006 during an undercover drug investigation. He shot William Petty, 29, in the stomach after Petty showed a gun that later turned out to be toy gun.
"He told me that he actually talked to (Petty) before he died. It really shook him up," Walker said.
McDuell said firearms are dangerous even for experienced users.
"We handle weapons on a day-to-day basis," McDuell said. "Even a veteran officer such as this can be victimized by what is apparently a tragic accident."

[Star Man]

RIP

[gozling]

sad to hear this

[PapaBear]

RIP! Another officer for St Michael to watch over the soldiers of law.

My only hope is, based on his background, this was not a self destruction because of the incident in N.O. Irrespective, the loss of such a man is felt nationwide in the family of dedicated professionals. May God have mercy on his soul and give comfort and compassion to his family and friends.

[Tia]

Tragic hardly seems word-enough.

Our condolences to his family & friends are sent as well.

[Pudge]

Rest easy brother

[iso607]

Rest in peace brother.

[hush29]

RIP brother

[dogbite1]

RIP

[armsmaster270]

RIP Brother

[DEPUTY30]

rip

[Jenna]

Rest in peace.

[Coloradocop]

RIP, brother.

One of our officers nearly died a few years ago from a similar incident... He was outside of our range facility and decided to clean his Glock before shooting (or something like that)... Didn't clear the chamber, and shot himself in the thigh when he pulled the trigger to facilitate the disassembly of the weapon. Another officer heard the shot and came to his aid, quite possibly saving his life (in his own words).