Stray bullet: An accidental killer during riot control

Abstract

Background:The use of force to control public uprisings, riots, unruly mobs is an important tool in any administrative setup. Law enforcement agencies often resort to aerial firing, which can be responsible for unintended injuries due to stray bullets.This study was designed to study the pattern of stray bullet injuries and to generate awareness about the hazards related to the use of live ammunition during riot control.Methods:This study was conducted in our unit of the neurosurgery department over a period of 18 months, from June 2008 to December 2010. We enrolled all patients who had head or spine injuries caused by stray bullets from firing during riot control far away from the site of injury.Results:We had two patients with head injury and two with spinal injury sustained because of stray bullets. One of the patients with head injury was operated and the other one was managed conservatively; the latter died on the third day of injury, while the former is surviving with some residual neurological deficit. Amongst the patients with spinal injury, neurological deficits persist till date. None of the patients were aware that they had sustained a bullet injury, and it was only after inquiry that we came to know that the police had resorted to aerial firing for controlling public agitation in nearby areas.Conclusion:Aerial firing of live cartridges is generally considered an ‘innocuous’ method; however, in view of the potential for injury to innocent bystanders, we recommend that the use of live cartridges during aerial firing be banned.

Epidemiology and clinical aspects of stray bullet shootings in the United States

“…18 Other recent reports have presented individual cases 19Y24 or small case series. 25,26 Shortly after the California shooting reported above, and given the lack of existing data, we began surveillance for stray bullet shootings in the United States. We report here our findings for 284 shooting events occurring between March 1, 2008, andFebruary 28, 2009.…”

Cranial Gravitational (Falling) Bullet Injuries: Point of View

“…[ 3 ] Another event where falling bullets are seen is aerial shooting during riot and mob control noted in the setting of conflict zones. [ 4 ]…”

“…In developing and undeveloped countries, a delay also happened in transferring the patient to more specialized hospital. [ 4 ] The victims of falling bullets are bystanders and in wide range of age comparing to nonfalling-bullet injuries. Children and elderly are not usually at risk of bullets injury; however, in case of falling bullets, they are.…”

“…The mortality rate from falling bullets in general is about 32% that is significantly higher than nonfalling bullets 2%–6% although the latter's impact is much more potential to kill. [ 4 13 ] This is attributed to the fact that almost no one of falling-bullet victim is wearing antibullet cloths such as helmets. Sometimes, the mortality cases from falling bullets may mimic sudden natural deaths, especially in patients with prior medical history.…”

“…reported two cases of head injuries after falling bullets, one of which was operated and the other one was managed conservatively; the latter died, while the former is surviving with some residual neurological deficit. [ 4 ] Cerebral hernia due to increased intracranial pressure is the most common cause of death among falling-bullet head injuries. [ 17 ] Ozdemir and Unlü reported a fatality case of a child with falling bullets that penetrate the vertex and coursed through the foramen magnum to stay in spinal canal at the level of T2–3.…”