Man Treated For Injuries After Being Struck By Falling Bullet While Watching Fireworks
Release Number: 12-170
Who:
Richard John Smeraldo
DOB: 5/9/38
1306 Howard Street - Clearwater
Treated and released from Mease Countryside Hospital
Billie Bizzell – Smeraldo’s wife
DOB: 6/21/43
What: Smeraldo was watching the fireworks display along the waterfront near the Safety Harbor Spa and Marina when he was struck and injured by a falling bullet.
Where: Smeraldo was watching the fireworks in an area about 60 feet north of the restrooms at the Safety Harbor Marina and about 125 feet west of the shoreline.
When: The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m., Wednesday, July 4th.
How/Why:
According to reports, Smeraldo, his wife and friends were watching the fireworks display near the Safety Harbor Spa and Marina when something struck him in the face. He told deputies that he first thought he had been struck by a rock. But one of his friends found a bullet on the blanket next to her – and then Smeraldo realized he had been struck by the bullet.
Smeraldo was transported by ambulance to Mease Countryside Hospital. There deputies learned that the bullet evidently went through the bill of Smeraldo’s cap, into the bridge of his nose – out his right nostril, through the upper portion of his bottom lip and exited though his lower chin.
The bullet then struck a metal medallion Smeraldo was wearing on a chain around his neck – then bounced off the back of his friend and onto the blanket.
Smeraldo’s injuries required stitches and he was released from the hospital after treatment.
Deputies launched a search and investigation in an area just south-southwest of the Safety Harbor Marina. No arrests have been made as yet.
The investigation continues.
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