A Columbus man was arrested Thursday evening after mishandling a firearm, causing the weapon to discharge and strike the vehicle in front of him.
At approximately 9:10 p.m., CPD officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Washington Street regarding a person wanting to speak to an officer. Upon arrival, the officers met with Henry E. Aguilar-Vasquez, 21, of Columbus, who advised that he was a passenger in a vehicle and was handling his .40 caliber handgun inside the vehicle when the weapon discharged through the windshield. The incident occurred near the intersection of 17th Street and Central Avenue.
Officers received a call a short time later from a person who advised that their vehicle was shot and the rear passenger side taillight was damaged. No injuries were reported.
While speaking with Vasquez, the officers detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. He later provided a breath sample of .167% (over twice the legal limit). Vasquez was placed under arrest and his firearm was secured by the officers and placed in the CPD property room.
Vasquez was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail where he booked on suspicion of Level 6 felony criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.
