Shots Fired During Traffic Stop – They’re Calling It An Accident

A routine traffic stop in Jacksonville turned catastrophic when Officer Mindy Cardwell accidentally discharged a driver’s firearm, severely injuring him and potentially derailing his career aspirations.

At a Glance

  • Officer Mindy Cardwell accidentally shot Jason Arrington during a traffic stop
  • Arrington was cooperative and informed officers of his legal firearm
  • The incident occurred on December 13, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida
  • Cardwell was fired for incompetence following an internal investigation
  • Arrington plans to sue for damages related to his injury and career setbacks

Tragic Turn of Events

On December 13, 2024, what began as a routine traffic stop in Jacksonville, Florida, quickly escalated into a life-altering incident. Jason Arrington, a crane operator with aspirations of becoming a merchant seaman, was pulled over by Officer Shaun Lowry for running a red light. Officers Mindy Cardwell and Austin Weippert arrived to assist with the stop.

Arrington, demonstrating full cooperation, informed the officers that he was carrying a legal firearm. It was at this point that Officer Cardwell attempted to remove the Glock .45 semi-automatic pistol from Arrington’s waistband. In a moment of critical error, Cardwell accidentally discharged the weapon, sending a round into Arrington’s right leg.

The incident has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts of what transpired. According to Arrington, Officer Cardwell “jerked” the weapon, causing it to discharge. Cardwell, however, stated that the holster was tight and she had used her non-dominant hand to remove the firearm.

Body camera footage captured the aftermath of the shooting, showing officers providing immediate first aid and applying a tourniquet to Arrington’s injured leg. While Arrington was hospitalized in stable condition, the long-term consequences of this incident are far-reaching.

Career Aspirations Derailed

The shooting has had a profound impact on Arrington’s life and career prospects. As a crane operator with dreams of becoming a merchant seaman, Arrington now faces a challenging road to recovery. The injury has significantly impaired his ability to perform his current job, let alone pursue his future career goals.

“We certainly hope this is an example for law enforcement agencies across the country to use to demonstrate how things can go wrong very quickly,” Harper Williams, Arrington’s attorney, said.

Arrington and his legal team are preparing to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for his injuries and lost future earning capacity. This legal action aims to address not only the physical harm caused but also the potential derailment of Arrington’s professional aspirations.

Following an internal affairs investigation, Officer Cardwell was charged with incompetence and subsequently fired from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. This swift action demonstrates the department’s commitment to holding officers accountable for their actions, even in cases of accidental discharge.

In response to this incident, the Sheriff’s office has implemented a new policy advising officers not to seize firearms from individuals lawfully carrying them during routine traffic stops. This change in procedure aims to prevent similar accidents in the future and enhance safety for both officers and citizens.

As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of even momentary lapses in judgment or training within law enforcement.