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.
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