Security guard's gun accidentally discharges at Ross Park Mall, striking friend

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man at Ross Park Mall was struck by a bullet late Tuesday night when a security guard accidentally discharged a firearm, Ross Township police said.

The incident happened about 11 p.m. in the mall’s security office as the guard, whose personal firearm discharged, was ending his shift.

Police said the guard was loading the gun, a 9mm Glock, when it accidentally discharged, sending a bullet through a wooden stand and hitting his friend in the buttocks.

The man who was struck was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released.

Although the guard brought the gun to work, he was not carrying it while on duty.

“They are not allowed to have them as part of their uniform and duties, but I am not aware of their policy with firearms on the premises,” Ross Township Police Det. Brian Kohlhepp said.

The guard is employed by a contracted security company, Universal Protection Services, and is not a mall employee, police said. The mall said that he will no longer be working as a guard at the mall.

Police said they do not anticipate filing charges, although an investigation is ongoing.

No customers were inside at the time of the incident, as the mall was closed.

Cox Media Group