Deputies: Man falsely claims someone shot him after accidentally firing weapon at I-4 rest stop

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A man accidentally fired his gun at a rest stop on Interstate 4 Wednesday morning and then falsely claimed someone shot him, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said the 40-year-old man was located in a car in the westbound rest area of Interstate 4 near State Road 434 with a non-life-threatening head wound around 3 a.m.

Investigators said the man claimed someone shot him, but in reality, he had accidentally shot himself in the head.

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"He chose to fire multiple rounds inside the vehicle in an attempt to cover up the accident," said Bob Kealing, a Sheriff's Office spokesman. "Had he just told the truth in the first place, he would have been in a lot less trouble than he is now."

Deputies said most of the rounds remained embedded in the car.

"We believe one round did get out," Kealing said. "We are relieved (that), to this point, we haven't heard from anybody coming forward and saying they were injured."

Deputies said the man, whose identity has not been released, could be charged with making a false report and discharging a weapon.

UPDATE: Investigators have determined this morning’s shooting at I-4 rest stop started as accidental discharge. Subject fired additional rounds inside his vehicle and claimed someone shot him. Charges of making false report and discharging weapon are pending.
— Seminole County S.O. (@SeminoleSO) April 24, 2019

Just before three this morning, deputies responded to a shots fired call in the west-bound rest area of I-4 near SR 434. Adult male located in vehicle with non life-threatening head wound. Investigators still trying to determine source of that injury.
— Seminole County S.O. (@SeminoleSO) April 24, 2019