Nashville, Tennessee --- The Department of Safety Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the accidental shooting this afternoon of Trooper Tracy Tyler at the THP Training Center, 275 Stewarts Ferry Pike, in Nashville.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Trooper Tyler suffered a gunshot wound to the right foot after a weapon accidentally discharged while being cleaned at approximately 2:50 this afternoon. Metro EMS responded to the scene and transported Trooper Tyler to Vanderbilt Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries.

Trooper John Warren is placed on administrative leave with pay until an investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility is completed. Training Center policy requires that when handguns are brought into the Ordinance Section for cleaning that the magazine is removed, the chamber is cleared and the weapon is dry-fired into a barrel to ensure everyone’s safety.

Trooper Tyler was commissioned in July 2000 and serves in Henderson County in the Jackson District. Trooper Warren was commissioned in July 1996 and is assigned to the Greene County Scales Complex in the Fall Branch District. Both Troopers were undergoing In-Service training at the Training Center when the incident occurred.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.