A Pine Bluff police officer was injured Saturday night after his firearm accidentally discharged during a traffic stop assist, according to a report obtained by Deltaplex News through the Freedom of Information Act and a department press release.
The incident occurred just after 8 p.m. on April 18 near 2910 E. Harding Avenue. Officer D. Nicholson was assisting another officer on a traffic stop when he exited his patrol vehicle.
According to the report, Nicholson’s pistol and holster came loose from his belt as he got out of the vehicle. The firearm fell to the ground and discharged as Nicholson attempted to catch it.
Authorities said the bullet entered Nicholson’s right leg at a near vertical angle and exited through the lower right side of his back.
Nicholson was transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released after approximately three hours.
The department said Nicholson is currently off duty while recovering and is expected to make a full recovery with no lasting disability.
The incident remains under review by the department.
