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Man Learns Hard Way Not to Bring Gun to Dental Procedure

James White mistakes gun for phone, shoots self
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 3, 2016 3:05 PM CDT
Dental Patient Thinks Gun Is Phone, Shoots Self
Note to dental patients: Not a phone.   (Bobbfwed/Wikimedia Commons)

“If you’re going to be put under nitrous, then you think twice about taking your gun into the dental office." Solid advice from an Ohio resident living near a dental office where a bizarre incident played on Wednesday, WCMH reports. James White, 72, was at the dental office for a procedure and was under the influence of nitrous oxide when he thought he heard his phone ringing. He then mistook his gun for his phone, grabbed the pistol, and fired it. The bullet struck White in the hand and grazed his stomach. No one else was injured, but employees were "shaken up."

White, who has a concealed carry permit, was treated at a hospital and is expected to be fine, at least physically. He could still face possible charges for using a weapon while intoxicated, the Springfield News-Sun reports. And while the dental office doesn't specifically ask patients not to bring their guns with them to a procedure, the local sheriff's office doesn't think it's a very good idea. “Think of your safety and the safety of those around you," one sergeant tells WCMH. (More guns stories.)

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