The Midland Police Department has completed the investigation into the shooting at a local gun store that injured an employee.
Charles Browning, 33, of Odessa, was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital in critical condition with a gunshot injury at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 from S&K Arms, located at 4400 Midland Dr. Browning has since been released from the hospital.
Browning, an employee of the store, was inside the store after regular business hours with co-worker Howard Holmes, 30, of Hurst, when the incident occurred. After a thorough investigation, no charges have been filed. Both stated that an agreed-upon wrestling match led to an accidental shooting, and neither of the subjects wish to press charges at this time.
Surveillance footage from the store showed the two men lounging in a lobby area of the store, when both stood up. Browning displayed a knife, followed by Holmes obtaining his personal handgun. The two subjects were wrestling over the loaded gun when they said it unintentionally fired, injuring Browning.
The investigation into the incident revealed that both men had consumed alcohol before the incident occurred. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have been notified of the incident. Midland police also consulted with the Midland County District Attorney’s office regarding this case.
###Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Bustilloz