A former Florida sheriff’s deputy, Leslie Boileau, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the accidental shooting death of his girlfriend at their home in Ocala. Boileau called 911 to report that he had accidentally shot his girlfriend while handling and dry-firing firearms. According to police, while demonstrating the use of a rifle, Boileau accidentally discharged a loaded round, resulting in the fatal shooting. Boileau told police that his girlfriend had asked him to teach her how to use the gun, and physical evidence found at the scene corroborated his account.
Boileau, who was a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for eight years, was immediately fired following the incident. The gun used was not his work firearm, and Sheriff Billy Woods expressed heartbreak for the victim’s family, emphasizing that the actions of one individual should not reflect on the entire law enforcement community. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken called the shooting a tragic incident and offered condolences to the victim’s family.
The Ocala Police Department continues to investigate the incident, with Boileau facing charges of manslaughter for his role in the fatal shooting. The department has the full support of the sheriff’s office as they work to complete the investigation.
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