DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - A man had to be transported to the hospital after he accidentally shot himself in the leg while driving along the Palmetto Expressway in Doral.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers responded to the scene along the southbound lanes near Northwest 58th Street, just before 5 p.m., Friday.
According to troopers, Alex Gomez Avila, 21, was holding a firearm while driving a white 2017 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck. Troopers said Avila mishandled the weapon and accidentally discharged it.
As a result, troopers said Avila suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his right leg.
Aerial cameras from 7 Skyforce showed Avila grabbing his leg and clench his face in pain.
Orlando Sam, who drives on the Palmetto every day, said the incident is a lesson that people can learn from.
“I don’t know about the incident, but I know that it’s really scary and dangerous to keep a gun in the car,” Sam said. “I have my son. He’s 20 years old, and I always keep an eye on my son about the guns. It’s not responsible for a little kid — because I call a little kid 20 years old because I have my son — so we have to take care of our kids even at that age.”
Troopers said the incident was not road-rage related.
He was transported to Kendall Regional Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening.
7News cameras captured two FHP cruisers next to Avila’s white truck, which could be seen parked next to the median of the highway.
The truck has since been towed away from the scene.
Troopers will continue to investigate the incident.
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