Alexandria man charged after gun accidentally fired at Henrico youth soccer game

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- An Alexandria man has been charged after police say a firearm fell out of his bag, causing it to accidentally fire, during a Henrico County youth soccer game.

At about 10:07 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, officers with the Henrico County Police Division were called to Holman Middle School for report of a firearm violation.

Investigators determined that, while Greater Richmond YMCA teams played soccer at the school, a firearm fell out of a spectator's bag and accidentally fired a shot.

While no one was hurt and no property damage was reported, parents told 8News that the incident left them shaken.

“We cannot let discharging a firearm at a 6-and-under soccer game be okay," parent Becca Liberman said at the time.

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Initially, no charges were filed, as the investigation into this incident was ongoing. Nearly two months later, on Thursday, Nov. 20, police told 8News that this had changed.

Following an "extensive investigation," 59-year-old Richard J. Fiesel of Alexandria has been charged with reckless handling of a firearm.

"Henrico Police encourages our community to practice safe and responsible firearm ownership so that our community, young and old, can enjoy a safe environment to live and play," the agency said at the time of the initial incident. "Additionally, we will coordinate with the YMCA and other local programs that utilize county facilities and grounds to discuss safety measures for those attending events to prevent incidents like this from happening again."