Utah Teacher Shoots Porcelain Throne

Update on Utah teacher shooting the porcelain throne at school

The original post was here.

The Oct 11 2014 ABJ reports Michelle Montgomery was charged with a misdemeanor and resigned her teaching position. Seems there were a few discrepancies in her report to the police. 

First, Utah allows CCW in their schools and she had a permit.

Michelle was charged with discharging a firearm within city limits.  She originally claimed the gun was in her holster when it went off, but that didn’t fit the evidence.  She later changed her story that she took it out and placed it on top of the TP dispenser while using the toilet.  After finishing the paperwork she “…grabbed the gun to put it back in her holster but it slipped…”  You know the rest of the story.

A couple things. 

Holstering and drawing the handgun are two actions with great potential for an accident.  These accidents can be fatal. Make sure your holster properly fits your gun and keep your finger off the freaking trigger until it’s time to shoot.

Never lie to the police.  It may have been a facing-saving fib Michelle told, but it complicated her problem.  Fortunately it looks like she may avoid truly serious complications.  (I wish her the best of luck!)  Also note, wanting to speak to a lawyer is not the same as impeding an investigation or lying.  Make sure it’s your lawyer you are speaking to and not one provided to you by the union, school, store or workplace. Those lawyers may not have your best interests at heart.

Figure out what you’re going to do with that gun when you go to the bathroom.  Do this before you need to go.  One of my instructors (retired police officer) wants nothing to do with an ankle holster, but I never worry about where to put the gun when seated on the can when I’m using an ankle holster.  Life is about trade-offs!

Permits aren’t comprehensive training or unconscious competency.  Make sure you have both!

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