Mother accidentally shoots daughter thinking she's an intruder
A US mother has accidentally shot her teenage daughter after mistaking her for an intruder inside the house.
Renee Jones wasn't expecting daughter Hannah, 18, to return from college several days earlier than planned, so when she heard a commotion downstairs on August 30, she was armed and ready.
Jones told police in Girard, Ohio, that she was frightened because she wasn't expecting company.
Hannah Jones returned from college early, startling her mother who was in the house alone. Facebook/Hanna Jones
Writing on Facebook about the incident, Hannah explained she "ran through the door with excitement" after returning from college several days ahead of schedule.
But her mum, thinking she was an intruder, shot her "in fear for her life", as Hannah explained.
When police arrived at the scene, they found Hannah "covered in blood" and walking down the driveway with her right arm wrapped in a towel.
She was taken to hospital for treatment but was soon discharged.
It was the college student's boyfriend who called emergency services moments after the gun was fired.
21 News obtained the call to 911, with Hannah's boyfriend telling the operator: "My girlfriend just came home from college and her mum didn't know, like honestly -- she accidentally shot her and we don't know what to do."
Hannah Jones was shot in the arm by her mother, who mistook her for an intruder. Facebook/Hanna Jones
He revealed Hannah's mother had shot her daughter in the arm, describing the bleeding as "pretty bad".
Police chief John Norman told the news organisation Jones had a valid permit to carry the weapon.
"Even though she was in her own house, was startled by some noises she heard in the kitchen or hallway area," Norman said.
"She stated that the bedroom door opened where she was at - and she had a gun readily available and she fired a round at someone coming through the door."
The case is being investigated and a decision will be made shortly as to whether any charges will be laid against Jones.
"If you realise someone has a gun for protection, and they're not expecting you, announce yourself when you enter the home, or even if you're getting up to get a drink of water in the middle of the night, just announce yourself," Norman said.
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