On March 20, 2024, in Orange City, Florida, a tragic incident occurred during a vigilance drill intended to test the readiness of two friends to face danger. Brad Markey-Perez, 25, accidentally shot his friend in the face, leading to a gunshot wound to the jaw.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested Markey-Perez following the incident. The friends, both armed, conducted these drills to practice vigilance, especially while handling firearms. These drills typically involved unloaded firearms or using ‘cap’ style ammunition, which is a nonfunctioning round, to simulate real-life scenarios without risking injury.
The incident took a bizarre turn when Markey-Perez was in his living room, and his friend, unidentified, came out of the kitchen and made a statement that Markey-Perez interpreted as part of their usual drill. The friend said, “Bro, I could assassinate you right now in the blink of an eye.” Markey-Perez, thinking his friend was engaging in one of their regular armed drills, pointed a gun at him and accidentally pulled the trigger. The safety was off, and the bullet struck the victim in the jaw. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
This incident underscores the risks associated with vigilance drills, especially when they involve firearms. It highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding the context of such drills to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to accidents. The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers involved in simulating real-life scenarios and the importance of safety measures, such as using nonfunctioning ammunition, to prevent injuries or fatalities during such exercises.
