GRAND FORKS (trfnews.i234.me) A Grand Forks Air Force security forces member is facing a Class B felony charge after police say he accidentally shot a coworker during a late-night gathering at an apartment complex.
Gerald Hugh Barran Jr., 31, has been charged with felony reckless endangerment in Grand Forks County. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The incident happened late Saturday, November 22, at the Cardinal Point Apartments on 47th Avenue South.
According to a declaration of probable cause, officers were sent to the building at 11:51 p.m. for a reported shooting. When they arrived, they found a woman later identified as Amber Hopson lying on the floor of an apartment unit. Two people were applying pressure to a gunshot wound on her back and arm.
The report said there were many empty alcohol containers throughout the apartment. All people in the unit were part of the Air Force’s security forces team. They had gathered for a game night and drinks.
Mugshot: Gerald Hugh Barran Jr.
Witnesses told police that Barran took out his firearm for a group photo. Hopson then pulled out her gun as well. Others in the group told them to put the firearms away. One person said he warned Barran that he should not have a gun out while drinking.
The report stated that Barran tried to show the group that his firearm was safe. The gun then went off and hit Hopson in the back. Barran ran to his own apartment on the third floor. He placed both his gun and Hopson’s gun in his closet. He then returned downstairs with a different gun and told police that it was the firearm used in the shooting.
The report noted that Barran is trained in firearm safety because of his security forces role. As an armorer, he has advanced training in firearm function and handling.
Barran made his first court appearance on Monday afternoon, November 24. A judge set his bond at $7,500 cash or surety. That means he can post the full amount or pay 10 percent through a bondsman. The court also filed an order that bars him from having contact with Hopson.
His next hearing, a preliminary hearing and arraignment, is set for January 5 at 9 a.m.
For background on North Dakota felony laws, visit the North Dakota Courts.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.