Kmart Posts No-Gun Order

By GABE WELLS
ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Signs prohibiting firearms were posted Tuesday at Kmart after a man accidentally discharged his weapon inside the store.

A single shot from a .32-caliber handgun was fired at 7:30 p.m. Monday near the Kmart pharmacy at the Ohio Valley Mall when a gun fell from 44-year-old Bridgeport resident Paul Manukin’s pocket.

Belmont County sheriff’s Chief Deputy Joseph Hummel said no one was injured. He believes the pharmacist was the only person in the area of the gunshot. The bullet hit the floor.

Manukin, who reported the discharge to the sheriff’s department, is not expected to face charges. Hummel said Manukin has a concealed carry permit for the weapon.

Jonathan Fulkerson, section director with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, said Tuesday the matter is a local investigation. Fulkerson noted, however, he doubts Manukin could be stripped of his permit.

“Unless he’s charged with a felony or a violation of the concealed carry law, there is no basis to revoke his permit,” Fulkerson said. “But, obviously, it’s an unfortunate and potentially dangerous situation.”

Hummel noted although there are signs at the Ohio Valley Mall’s main entrance prohibiting firearms, such signs were not posted at Kmart’s entrance until Tuesday. Belmont County Sheriff Fred Thompson said he was surprised to learn that several stores at the Ohio Valley Mall don’t have signs prohibiting firearms. He said he has no preference about whether businesses prohibit concealed weapons.

“It’s up to the business,” Thompson said. “If they feel uncomfortable with someone carrying a concealed firearm, they have the right to restrict it.”

Manukin said he did not know why the gun fired, but noted it will be dismantled. Although he said it is his right to carry the weapon, he may no longer do so.

“I don’t think I’ll carry a gun anymore,î Manukin said. “This accident could have been really tragic. ... It was a total accident. I forgot it was in my pocket.”

According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, “Carrying a concealed handgun is a privilege in Ohio, and with this privilege comes a responsibility to be aware, not only of the common sense rules of safe firearm handling, but the laws that affect how, when and where you can carry your firearm, and how to properly use the handgun to defend yourself or another person.”