A startling incident occurred at Level 99, a popular interactive entertainment center in the Washington D.C. area, when a teenager accidentally discharged a firearm. The 14-year-old girl discovered the weapon on the floor while participating in one of the facility's physical gaming challenges.
Believing the object was merely a prop provided by the venue for the game, the teenager picked it up and pulled the trigger. The single shot fired directly into a wall, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic outcome for those present in the busy facility.
It was later revealed that the firearm belonged to an off-duty police captain who was visiting the center at the time. The officer had inadvertently dropped his personal weapon while navigating the interactive course, leaving it unattended on the ground.
Emergency services were called to the scene following the discharge, and the teenager requested medical assistance due to the shock of the event. Fairfax County Fire officials confirmed that she did not require hospitalization and was released shortly after the evaluation.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation regarding firearm safety protocols for off-duty law enforcement officers in public spaces. While the weapon was privately owned rather than department-issued, the proximity of a lethal device to civilians in a high-activity environment remains a significant point of concern.
Local authorities launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drop and the subsequent discharge. Despite the potential for severe injury, no criminal charges have been filed against the officer involved in the incident.
Furthermore, the police department has confirmed that no internal disciplinary action will be taken against the captain. The venue, Level 99, continues to operate as a hub for social gaming, though the event has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety measures within such interactive environments.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure firearm storage, even for trained professionals. As investigations conclude, the focus remains on ensuring that public entertainment spaces remain safe for all visitors, regardless of the presence of off-duty personnel.