McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout said an outside agency’s review of his chief deputy’s negligent discharge of a firearm has been completed.
“A determination has been made that no criminal charges will be filed in this case,” Petitgout said in a release.
He said the investigation was turned over to the state Appellate Prosecutors Office “who made the final call.”
No one was injured when Chief Deputy Adam Cremer’s rifle discharged in the MacArthur Early Childhood Center parking lot late in the afternoon on Thursday, October 2.
Cremer was moving a folding table in the back of his squad vehicle when it bumped the rear of his AR-15 duty rifle. The weapon then discharged.
The rifle was stored in a secure weapon lock in the vehicle, but with a loaded magazine, a round in the chamber, and the safety lever in the “fire” position.
The manufacturer recommends the weapon be stored unloaded and with the lever in the “safe” position.
A cookout was being held near the parking lot and several people, including students, were nearby.
Petitgout said Cremer remains on unpaid leave, and that staff continue to be trained “to ensure it never happens again.”
Petitgout addressed the Macomb school board during its meeting this week and apologized for what happened.
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