A young congressman from Florida was accidentally shot by his roommate – also an officer – while the couple were taking a break from playing video games, officials said.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andrew Lawson called 911 early Saturday morning and told a dispatcher he had accidentally shot co-worker Austin Walsh, 23, and needed help. urgent help.
Brevard County Sherrif Wayne Ivey said Lawson and Walsh were taking a break to play an online video game just before the tragedy.
Lawson told investigators he “jokingly” pointed a gun at his best friend and pulled the trigger, thinking he had discharged the gun.
Walsh was struck once and died at the scene, cops said.
Lawson was taken into custody on a no-bail warrant by Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers for a manslaughter rap, Ivey said in a Facebook post.
He surrendered on Sunday, officials said.
“Austin and Andrew were best friends and Andrew was completely devastated by what happened,” Ivey said in a Facebook post. “Even with that, there is no excuse for this tragic and completely preventable death.”
Ivey said Walsh fulfilled his lifelong dream of being a police officer and started with the Brevard agency at age 18 after enrolling in a cadet program.
“Man, Austin was such a good boy,” Ivey said. “Our hearts are broken by his loss. He will be deeply missed by our agency, our community and our prayers are with his family.
Ivey said Lawson was deeply “distraught” at the scene and cooperated with responding officers.
“Andrew, he’s a great boy,” Ivey said. “Who sadly made a horrible and irresponsible decision that forever impacted the lives of so many people.”