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Pawn Shop Employee Injured in Accidental Shooting

An interior view of a pawn shop highlighting the importance of firearm safety.

News Summary

A pawn shop employee, Brittany Simoneau, was shot in the arm during an accidental shooting at Welsh Pawn Shop while handling a firearm. The incident occurred when a customer, Roddrick Warren, mistakenly thought a handgun was unloaded. Simoneau has been hospitalized with a broken arm, and the police are investigating the circumstances and safety protocols at the shop, which has had a contentious history regarding firearm transactions.

Savannah – A pawn shop employee suffered a gunshot wound during an accidental shooting at Welsh Pawn Shop on Monday morning. The Savannah Police Department responded to the incident, which occurred at 9:43 a.m. at the shop located at 32 E. DeRenne Street.

The victim, identified as 40-year-old Brittany Simoneau, was shot in her right arm while handling a firearm that was being evaluated for sale. The shooter is reported to be either a store clerk or a customer, although their exact identity has not been confirmed by authorities.

The event transpired when 74-year-old Roddrick Warren attempted to sell a 9mm handgun at the pawn shop. Before presenting the firearm, Warren claimed he had removed the loaded ammunition and replaced it with an empty clip. However, an investigation indicates that the handgun was still loaded in the chamber.

During the examination, Simoneau ejected the magazine but unintentionally left a round in the gun’s chamber. After placing the firearm back on the counter, Warren picked up the gun again and pulled the trigger in an effort to relieve tension from the spring. This action caused the firearm to discharge, striking Simoneau in the arm.

Emergency medical services transported Simoneau to Memorial Hospital. Reports indicate that she was alert, but her exact condition following the incident has not been disclosed. A police report noted that Simoneau sustained a broken arm above the elbow due to the gunshot.

The Savannah Police Department has launched an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting to determine the full details and accountability related to the incident.

This occurrence highlights ongoing concerns regarding firearm safety in pawn shops. A previous investigation found that Welsh Pawn Shop’s three locations sold 11% of guns that were later recovered from crimes in Savannah in 2022. The franchise operates two locations in Chatham County and one in Effingham County.

Pawn shops, which are regulated to ensure safe transactions, continue to face scrutiny over the handling and sales of firearms, especially concerning potential accidents and misuse. With federal and state regulations in place, the importance of proper protocols during firearm evaluations cannot be overstated.

As the police investigation proceeds, the local community remains concerned about the implications of such incidents and their impact on public safety. The pawn industry is under increasing pressure to enhance safety measures to prevent further accidents like the one that occurred at Welsh Pawn Shop.

Updates regarding Simoneau’s health status and any legal outcomes resulting from the ongoing investigation will likely be closely followed by both the community and law enforcement agencies.