Chowan County sheriff deputy who shot himself in hand wants his mistake to be lesson for others

From Hampton Roads, VA News Channel 3, WTKR.com

A sheriff's deputy who ended up in the hospital after accidentally shooting himself in the hand is talking about his gun handling skills as he prepares to run for Chowan County sheriff.

Chowan County Sheriff's Deputy Tim Brabble was cleaning his Glock handgun when it went off, shooting himself in his left hand. It happened two weeks ago today when Deputy Brabble was off duty and home alone. Speaking out for the first time about it, he is taking 100 percent of the blame.

"Unfortunately, just human error, I forgot to take one out of the chamber, no fault of the gun. I mean, the gun's a great gun. I still have it. I intend to carry it. I think Glock is a fine weapon, just human error, I forgot to unload the chamber," Deputy Brabble said.

Chances are he won't forget again.

"I have no excuse. I don't know why I did not unload it that day. I've been handling guns safely for 30 plus years and never made that mistake and for whatever reason, I just skipped that step."

Deputy Brabble says he was immediately upset with himself after he realized what had happened. He then called 911.

Deputy Brabble was brought to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital after he was taken to Chowan Hospital. He had emergency surgery on his hand at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Deputy Brabble knows some people are firing off criticism about what happened, especially since he is running for Chowan County Sheriff this November.

"Critics can use it like they want. It doesn't change who I am as a person. I certainly intend to still run for sheriff and you know anybody that wants to talk to me about it, I'll be glad to talk to them," he said.

And as the dust settles, he wants his mistake to be a lesson for others.

"Make sure that your firearms are unloaded when you begin to take them apart. That is the utmost importance."