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Banning Mother, 30, Accidentally Shoots Daughter, 12, With 'Lighter'

BANNING  (AP)  — Police in Banning say a woman accidentally shot her 12-year-old daughter after pulling the trigger of a miniature revolver she had mistaken for a novelty cigarette lighter.

Sgt. Nick Schoen said Thursday the investigation into the July 24 incident is ongoing, but that police believe it was an accident.

He said 30-year-old Rachel Avila and her daughter were talking with friends in front of their mobile home when Avila found what she thought to be a cigarette lighter on the ground.

Avila picked it up and tried to light it by pulling the trigger.

Police said nothing happened the first time, but on her second try a 22-caliber bullet fired and struck the girl's right arm.

The girl has been treated for her wound. The gun's owner hasn't been determined.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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