Convicted Felon Arrested after Accidentally Shooting Himself
Early this morning, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a shooting call in the 6900 block of E. 2nd Ave. in Spokane Valley. Their investigation revealed Eric R. McGhee, a convicted felon who cannot legally possess a firearm, accidentally shot himself in the leg. No one else was injured, the handgun was recovered and, after receiving medical attention, McGhee was arrested and booked into jail.
On April 3, 2018, at approximately 3:15 a.m., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a shooting call at a residence located in the 6900 block of E. 2nd Ave. Responding Deputies were told a male at the location accidentally shot himself in the leg.
Deputy Travis West, familiar with the residence from previous contacts, arrived and contacted 21-year-old McGhee in the basement of the home. McGhee had a wound to his lower leg and was receiving first-aid from two subjects. Deputies provided medical attention until they were relieved by Spokane Valley Fire and AMR personnel.
McGhee said an “unknown person” came downstairs, shot him in the leg and left with the gun, contradicting what Deputies had been previously told: McGhee accidently shot himself.
During the investigation, Deputy Nathan Booth located the firearm, a Lorcin .380 pistol, under a tarp on a picnic table in the backyard. A check of the firearm’s serial number showed it had not been reported stolen. Additional information received by Deputies confirmed the original report McGhee accidently shot himself in the leg.
A check of McGhee’s name and criminal history showed he had been convicted of attempted Robbery 2nd Degree and Assault 2nd Degree, both serious felonies, which legally preclude him from possessing a firearm.
McGhee was transported to a local hospital for additional medical treatment. Upon his release, he was arrested and transported to the Spokane County Jail where he was booked for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree.