Man Charged After Accidentally Shooting Friend In Gut

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A suicidal Maple Grove man who accidentally shot a long-time friend in the stomach is being charged with a felony.

Joseph Michael Permut, 34, is charged with one count of recklessly discharging a firearm in the shooting early Sunday morning.

Permut had been drinking vodka at his friend's home on the 17000 block of 89th Place North, according to the criminal complaint.

He said he was tired of living and grabbed his .380 handgun, the complaint says. His friend snatched at Permut's wrist and, after a short struggle, the gun fired, hitting the friend in the stomach.

The gunshot was not life-threatening, and the friend told police he "did not attribute any malice" to Permut, according to the complaint.

If convicted, Permut faces up to two years behind bars and a $50,000 fine.