MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A Marion County deputy was arrested Thursday after accidentally shooting his girlfriend in the head, according to the Ocala Police Department.
Leslie Boileau, 32, called police to report that he accidentally shot his girlfriend while the two were cleaning firearms, according to an arrest affidavit.
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The two had just returned from dinner when Boileau told officers that his girlfriend had asked him to show her how to use a pistol rifle when “they were pointing them (guns) at each other” and his gun went off, the affidavit said.
After officers stopped asking questions, Boileau said, “I know this looks really bad,” and “I told her I did not want this to happen,” according to the affidavit.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said in a statement. “The Ocala Police Department is working with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served.”
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said Boileau was “immediately terminated” after working as a sheriff’s deputy for eight years.
“We are heartbroken for the family and friends of the victim. Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers do their job commendably every day. But unfortunately, the tragic actions of just one are felt through the entire law enforcement community. The Ocala Police Department has the support of my office as they continue to finish their investigation of this tragic incident,” Sheriff Billy Woods said in a release.
Boileau faces a manslaughter charge and was being held without bond in the Marion County jail.
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