by Marty Proctor
On the afternoon of April 15, a man shot himself in the leg while waiting in line at the Groveland Publix, 7975 SR 50. Groveland 
Police reports show that around 5:45 pm a man waiting to check out was injured in a shooting. “Video footage showed the subject at the end of checkout lane #5 adjusting his waistband with his right hand and no one else in his immediate vicinity. The subject then jumped slightly grasping his right thigh area while falling to the floor,” according to Groveland Police Department Officer Howell’s report. “Employees and managers of Publix initiated contact with the subject, removing the firearm from his right hip area and clearing the firearm before the arrival of officers.”
The injured man was attended to by a Publix employee and another person. The police arrived to find them between the registers and the exit door. The helpful bystanders continued their aid with officer Getford until the arrival of the Groveland Fire and Lake EMS personnel.
Officer Getford observed the gun while helping the victim. It was being watched by 
another Publix employee. While waiting for the EMS, the victim stated he was trying to adjust his waistband, and accidentally discharged his weapon into his own leg. The victim was taken to ORMC for further treatment.
Police secured the weapon, a magazine, 6 unused cartridges, a single 45 caliber casing, and a concealed weapon license. Those items have been cataloged and placed in a property box at the Groveland Police Station.
Responding were officers Clark, Black, Getford, McGee, Moore, Boodhoo and Urbanowski. Officer Howell was listed as the responsible officer in the police report.
