"I don't think he's going to make it," said during 911 following Ariz. Uzi shooting accident

KABC logo
Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Police have released the 911 call immediately following the Arizona gun accident involving a nine-year-old girl that took the life of gun range instructor Charles Vacca. The call was placed by one of Vacca's colleagues at the gun range.

"I don't think he's going to make it," said a man during the 911 call.

Tap to watch video if you're viewing on the news app.

According to ABC News, Vacca was shot in the head after the girl lost control of the Uzi submachine gun she was handling at the Arizona Last Stop recreational shooting range, Bullets and Burgers. The family of the girl were on a "brief excursion" on their summer vacation, stopping at the shooting range just outside of Las Vegas, NV.

Mojave County Sheriff's Office released their incident report, including descriptions of the incident from both of the girl's parents. The incident was filmed by the girl's parents as they stood behind Vacca as he was instructing their daughter to use a mini 9mm Uzi. As the small girl fired at the target ahead of her, she lost control in the gun's recoil, and struck Vacca in the head.

"(The girl's mother) said no one knew Vacca was shot until the other instructor ran over," read the Sheriff's report.

The other instructor in question, assumed to be the 911 caller, rushed to Vacca's side after he collapsed and immediately applied pressure to the wound.

Transcript excerpt from the 911 tape below.

Caller: Hello ma'am. He needs a medic- a helicopter now.

Dispatcher: They're on their way, sir.

Caller: OK

Dispatcher: Is he still breathing?

Caller: Yes he is.

Dispatcher: Are you applying pressure to the wound?

Caller: Yes I am. He's convulsing, and he's choking on his own spit.

The mother of the nine-year-old girl shared the video of the incident with police.

No charges have been filed in the case and police responders believe it was an accidental shooting. Bullets and Burgers shooting range allows anyone above the age of 8 to shoot automatic weapons if the instructor believes they are suitable.

Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.