DEA Agent Who Shot Self In Foot Sues U.S.

thesmokinggun.com ^ | 4/11/06 | Screamname

[Screamname]

DEA Agent Who Shot Self In Foot Sues U.S.

Seeks damages for distribution of humiliating gun accident video

APRIL 11--A Drug Enforcement Administration agent who stars in a popular online video that shows him shooting himself in the foot during a weapons demonstration for Florida children is suing over the tape's release, claiming that his career has been crippled and he's become a laughingstock due to the embarrassing clip's distribution. Lee Paige, 45, blames the video's release on DEA officials in an April 7 federal lawsuit filed against the U.S. government. A copy of the pro se complaint by Paige, a DEA agent since 1990, can be found below. According to the lawsuit, Paige was making a "drug education presentation" in April 2004 to a Florida youth group when his firearm (a Glock .40) accidentally discharged. The shooting occurred moments after Paige told the children that he was the only person in the room professional enough to carry the weapon. The accident was filmed by an audience member, and the tape, Paige claims, was turned over to the DEA. The drug agency subsequently "improperly, illegally, willfully and/or intentionally" allowed the tape to be disseminated. As a result, Paige--pictured above in a still from the video--has been the "target of jokes, derision, ridicule, and disparaging comments" directed at him in restaurants, grocery stores, and airports. Paige, who writes that he was "once regarded as one of the best undercover agents, if not the best, in the DEA," points to the clip's recent airing on popular television shows and via the Internet as the reason he can no longer work undercover. He also notes that he is no longer "permitted or able to give educational motivational speeches and presentations." (5 pages)

[OXENinFLA]

Oops I meant Glock 40

You still got it wrong.

It's a "Glock Fo-Tay".

[Exeter]

"I am the only one professional enough to carry this gun..BLAM!"

Barney, when Andy finds out you put your bullet in your gun...

[Uri’el-2012]

The NRA has a strict policy of no live ammunition in the classroom (in gun safety classes). This guy and his partner are both guilty of violating that policy, with predictable results. I realize they aren't NRA trainers, and this wasn't an NRA course being taught, but the wisdom behind that policy should still apply here.

I think his partner checked the gun before handing it to him just prior to the discharge, so they are both idiots, IMHO.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am an NRA Training Counselor.

27 posted on 04/11/2006 12:35:53 PM MDT by Disambiguator

Bump that !

This past weekend I trained 20 people to be Certified Shotgun Instructors
and Home Firearms Safety Instructors

and

10 NRA Certified Instructors to become Certified NRA Training Counselors

and we taught the NRA Gun Safety Rules

Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

We open each training session asking everyone including Law Enforcement Officers
to remove all ammunition from the room.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Any of ya'll know this guy? :)

[Fudd]

It's a "Glock foe-ty".

[Fatuncle]

32 posts so far and you all missed the best part...

Nah, I only type with two fingers: hunt-peck, hunt-peck, correct for spelling ... takes time. You got yours out first, but I'd been at it for hours. LOL

[BJClinton]

Glocks do not "accidentally" discharge.

[humblegunner]

This guy again ping.

I still can't find the safety on my Glock, I ain't making fun of him!

[shezza]

A copy of the pro se complaint by Paige....

Not only is he a professional gunslinger, he's also his own lawyer...

Apparently he's also one of the best, if not THE best, lawyers in the country.

[Larry Lucido]

I hope he's also suing himself.

[Fatuncle]

Paige, who writes that he was "once regarded as one of the best undercover agents, if not the best, in the DEA,"
The truly disturbing thing is that his statement is most likely true!

And so modest, too. I'm beginning to suspect he started doing field tests on the drugs seized - hey, gotta know if this is the real thing before we go to court, right?

[Old Professer]

Bump to save for my neighbor; stereotype jumpstart; cliche reinforcement; right up there with sleeping drunks in flaming beds.

[Uri’el-2012]

This guy again ping.

I still can't find the safety on my Glock, I ain't making fun of him!

48 posted on 04/11/2006 12:58:56 PM MDT by humblegunner

If you have fired the gun, you have found one of the three safeties on the Glock.

[absolootezer0]

NEGLIGENT discharge.

[yarddog]

This is one time I really do wish I could be on a jury.

That video really is about as funny as it gets, I mean this guy couldn't do it any better if it were a written script.

[redgolum]

Sad thing is I imagine he will win. Especially if he sues Glock.

[TC Rider]

He also notes that he is no longer "permitted or able to give educational motivational speeches and presentations."

You couldn't pay me to go in the same room with him and a "Glock 40".

[Sender]

I am in total disbelief after seeing this video. This guy should sue his parents for having an idiot.

[BJClinton]

before he shot himself in the foot, he pulled the trigger while the gun was pointed at the ceiling.

I could be wrong but it loked like he was closing the slide, which chambered the round.

[humblegunner]

If you have fired the gun, you have found one of the three safeties on the Glock.

It was a joke.