Helsinki police officer charged after accidentally firing gun from patrol car

A Helsinki police officer faces criminal charges after accidentally discharging a service weapon from a patrol car in February, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The senior constable is accused of negligent handling of a firearm and dereliction of duty following the incident in the city’s Itäkeskus district on 21 February 2024. According to prosecutors, the officer was practicing with a loaded service weapon inside the vehicle when the gun discharged, sending a bullet through the rear window and onto Itäkatu street toward a traffic lane.

The area was busy with commuter traffic at the time, but no injuries or property damage were reported. Prosecutors argue that while the overall harm caused was minor, the officer’s actions created a risk to life, health, and property by violating Police Administration guidelines.

The prosecution has called for a fine. A verdict in the case is expected in April. The incident follows several recent reports of alleged misconduct by Helsinki police officers.