Accidental gunfire at "no gun" businesses

In Tulsa, police report there have been two cases of accidental gunfire at businesses where "no gun" signs are clearly posted.

Last week, at St. John Medical Center and then at AMC Southroads movie theater where a woman shot herself in the finger with her gun that she concealed in her holster.

On Friday, at AMC Southroads police said security asked the man to leave after his firearm was seen in the theater. 

AMC has a “no weapons sign” posted on the doors.

Police said he was refunded his money and was told he could pick up his wife after the movie.

However, officers said the man failed to tell employees or police that his wife was also carrying her handgun in the theater.

An hour later, police officers were called to AMC where his wife reportedly went to the restroom and dropped her Springfield XD .40 out of her holster and it went off.

The round went through part of her finger and she was transported to the hospital.

Police believe she will be okay. No one else was hurt.

"I don't think us, just going to watch a movie, should have a weapon on us," said AMC movie goer Mindy Meyer.

At Select Cinemas no one has been caught carrying a firearm since open carry went into effect on November 1^st. The owner, Blake Smith, said he wants to keep it that way.

"It's just way too many people around that could become a victim," said Smith.

He runs Riverwalk theater and the Admiral Twin Drive-In. He said he hasn’t posted “no weapons” signs but they’re on order.

"We would ask that you take it back to their car just like AMC did," said Smith.

Under the Oklahoma Defense Act Title 21 Section 1290.22, business owners can ban weapons with or without a posted sign.

"There doesn't have to be a posted sign once you enter the business if you are then told to leave due to your firearm you have to leave," said Tulsa Police Public Information Officer Jillian Roberson.

If a gun owner refuses, law enforcement can arrest the gun owner for trespassing or if the gun fires they can forward charges for mishandling of a firearm.

Under Oklahoma Statute Title 21 Section 1290.17 police can confiscate your handgun license if you violate the Self Defense Act. It is up to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations to determine of your handgun license will be revoked for good.

OSBI agents said since Open Carry went into effect on November 1^st, they have not received a case of illegal use of a concealed carry license in businesses but are expecting cases such as the two from Tulsa to arrive in their office to make a determination.

OSBI reports in 2011, agents issued 24,000 handgun licenses and less than 2% were revoked and only two were for recklessness.

Police said if you’re going to carry, concealed or openly carry responsibly.

"Ignorance here really isn't an excuse, said Roberson. ”Know your weapon, know what you are carrying and be familiar with it. There is no reason to unholster your weapon out in public unless you feel your life is in danger.

Most firearms come with a company manual. Springfield Armory has its posted online. (See attached link).

Oklahoma law prohibits gun owners from carrying firearms concealed or openly in airports past TSA security, public meetings, schools, federal buildings, courthouses, college campuses, bars and sporting events.