Crime & Safety
National Guardsman Here for RNC Is Shot
The National Guard member from Ocala was shot twice by another guardsman. Deputies say it was an accident.
A National Guardsman in town for the Republican National Convention was shot twice in his St. Petersburg hotel room Thursday night, when a 357 revolver another guardsman was holding discharged, authorities said.
Michael Wdowiak, 21, was undergoing surgery Thursday night at a local hospital for gunshot wounds to his upper body and hand, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Wdowiak is from Weirsdale, FL.
Jeffrey A. Spurr, 26, who is from Bronson, was holding the gun when it went off accidentally, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Three other people were in the hotel room at the time of the shooting.
Wdowiak and Spurr are attached to a Florida National Guard contingent from
Ocala. The unit is here to assist at the RNC, and is staying at La Quinta Hotel in unincorporated St. Petersburg.
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Deputies said that the two men were examining the gun's grip when it discharged. The gun belongs to Wdowiak and is described as his personal weapon, by investigators.
Patrol deputies responded to a call at La Quinta Hotel, 4999 34th St. North, at 10:22 p.m. Deputies say alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the incident.
There are no charges. The investigation continues.
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