Accidental Shooting Injures Police Officer

WATER VALLEY – Police Officer John Hernandez was injured early Wednesday while investigating a break-in at Davidson Elementary School when his sidearm discharged.
    He accidently dischargred his weapon and it shot him in the leg, said Police Chief Mike King.
    Officer Hernandez and Officer Luther Folson had responded to a burglar alarm at 3:10 a.m. and found evidence that a burglary might still be in progress in the 5th and 6th grade wing. The two officers entered to clear the building. 
    Clearing or searching a building when someone may be in it and who may also has a weapon is a very dangerous task, according to Chief King. It was during the search while Hernandez was holding his flashlight and 9mm Glock handgun that the weapon went off.
    Officer Hernandez, a veteran of five years and eight months with the WVPD, is also a member of the Army National Guard and has served two combat tours in Iraq.
    He was transported to Baptist Hospital in Oxford. Chief King said that Hernandez is expected to make a full recovery and return to his duties.

Break-in Information Sought
    Police are seeking information about the school burglary. The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact the Water Valley Police Department at 473-2933 or the Yalobusha County CrimeStoppers at 1-866-933-TIPS or send an email to: TIPS@ YalobushaCounty.net.