Former Morgantown Deputy Faces Wanton Endangerment Charge
A former Monongalia County deputy is charged after a rifle discharge injured a juvenile in an apartment.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Accidents
On October 2, 2026, former Monongalia County Sheriff's Department deputy Andrew Mounts was charged with wanton endangerment. The charge follows an accidental rifle discharge in his Morgantown residence that resulted in an injury to a juvenile.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of unsecured firearms in residential settings. Authorities are addressing the legal consequences for a former member of law enforcement following the injury of a young person.
Andrew Mounts currently faces a wanton endangerment charge following the incident on October 2, 2026. Official records confirm his prior employment with the Monongalia County Sheriff's Department has ended.
The players
Andrew Mounts
He is a former deputy of the Monongalia County Sheriff's Department who now faces a criminal charge.
Monongalia County Sheriff's Department
This is the law enforcement agency that previously employed the suspect.
The details
An AR-15-style rifle with the safety disengaged discharged inside Mounts' apartment, sending a projectile through the ceiling into a unit above. EMS personnel responded to the scene to evaluate the juvenile who sustained injuries.
Timeline
The accidental discharge occurred on October 2, 2026.
Legal Context
The criminal charge filed against the former deputy follows the standards set by West Virginia Code Section 61-7-12 regarding wanton endangerment. This case reflects the ongoing application of state penal codes to incidents involving the negligent handling of firearms by individuals.
Residents in the area may encounter local safety advisories regarding responsible firearm storage in apartment complexes. The ongoing case process keeps the community informed about the status of the former deputy and the safety of the neighborhood.
The takeaway
Responsible gun ownership requires ensuring that firearms remain unloaded and secured with active safety mechanisms at all times. This incident serves as a critical reminder that even unintentional discharges in residential buildings can have severe and lasting consequences for others.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Morgantown accidents section.
