Miami Springs, Florida — A South Florida man was arrested after police say he accidentally shot his wife while handling a newly acquired firearm inside their home, sending her to the hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities identified the suspect as 41-year-old Michael Martinez, who was taken into custody Sunday night following the shooting at the couple’s residence in the 500 block of Esplanade Drive in Miami Springs.
Officials said the woman survived the shooting and was transported to a trauma center for treatment.
Police say shooting happened inside kitchen
According to investigators with the Miami Springs Police Department, the incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday inside the couple’s home.
Police say Martinez had obtained firearms earlier that day and was handling one of them in the kitchen while his wife was nearby.
Investigators said Martinez was handling a revolver near the kitchen island while his wife was washing dishes.
At some point during the interaction, the weapon discharged.
The woman later told detectives that when she turned toward her husband, she was suddenly shot in the chest, according to the arrest report.
Victim airlifted to trauma center
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the home after the shooting was reported.
Officials said the injured woman was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where doctors began treating her injuries.
Authorities said the victim survived the shooting and was able to speak with investigators from her hospital bed.
Police did not immediately release additional details about her medical condition following the incident.
Victim told police shooting was accidental
According to the police report, the woman told detectives that she believes the shooting was an accident.
Investigators said she described Martinez as being shocked immediately after the incident.
The victim told officers her husband called 911 right away after realizing she had been shot.
The report also noted that the woman told investigators the couple has a healthy relationship and no prior history of domestic violence.
Husband arrested and charged
Despite the victim’s statement that the shooting was accidental, police said Martinez was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Authorities charged him with:
- Culpable negligence
- Improper exhibition of a firearm
Officials said the charges relate to handling a firearm in a dangerous manner inside the home.
Court hearing held Monday
Martinez appeared in Miami-Dade bond court Monday afternoon alongside his attorney.
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During the hearing, his wife joined the proceedings remotely from her hospital room.
According to Martinez’s attorney, the victim told the court she did not want a stay-away order issued against her husband.
She also reportedly told the judge she was not afraid of him and supported his release.
Judge sets bond and restrictions
Judge Maria Espinosa Dennis set Martinez’s bond at $3,000 during the hearing.
The judge also ordered several conditions if Martinez is released.
Martinez was ordered not to possess any firearms, weapons, ammunition, or drugs while the case proceeds.
As of Monday afternoon, authorities said Martinez remained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
What are your thoughts on firearm safety inside the home and how accidents like this can be prevented? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments below.
