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MARION, IN — Officers with the Marion Police Department responded to Marion General Hospital, after a man arrived at the emergency room with a self-inflicted gunshot wound caused by negligent handling of a firearm carried without a holster.

According to a media release from the Marion Police Department, 46-year-old Mark Anthony Jones told officers he was walking near the Girl Scout cabin when his Hi-Point 9mm pistol, which he was carrying unsecured in his waistband, began to slip. As Jones reached down to adjust the firearm, the gun discharged. The bullet struck Jones just above his genitals and exited through his scrotum.

Police also confirmed that Jones did not have a valid Indiana Handgun License at the time of the incident. The case has been forwarded to the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office for review, where charges related to unlawful possession could follow.

Concealed Carry Tip

This incident underscores why responsible gun owners prioritize safe carry methods, including the use of a proper holster. Holsters not only secure a firearm in place, but they also cover the trigger guard to help prevent negligent discharges. Carrying a firearm directly in a waistband without a holster dramatically increases the risk of a negligent discharge, especially when adjusting or repositioning the gun.

Additionally, if you plan to carry concealed, you must follow your state’s laws. In states that require a permit, carrying without one can lead to legal consequences. In states with constitutional carry, a permit may not be required, but safe carry practices—like using a proper holster—are still essential for your safety and the safety of those around you.