Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery/Homicide Unit

Yaminah Gilbert (Victim- Injured)
DOB: 09/11/1997
Address: 8999 91^st Terrace, Largo

Mark Smith
DOB: 09/24/1973
Address: 9033 Robin Road, Seminole

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating an accidental shooting at a gun store that seriously injured a 19-year-old woman in unincorporated Seminole.

When:
The incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017.

Where:
The accidental discharge occurred at R&R Firearms located at 9051 Starkey Road, in unincorporated Seminole. 

The victim was injured at Dara’s Nail Salon and Day Spa located at 9049 Starkey Road, in unincorporated Seminole.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating an accidental shooting at a gun store that seriously injured a 19-year-old woman in unincorporated Seminole.

According to detectives, at about 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017, deputies were called to Dara’s Nail Salon and Day Spa located at 9049 Starkey Road, in unincorporated Largo, for a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Paramedics were already on scene rendering aide to the victim, 19 year-old Yaminah Gilbert. Gilbert suffered from a gunshot wound to her back and was transported to Bayfront Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.

Detectives say that 43-year-old Mark Smith, an employee at the neighboring business, R&R Firearms, located at 9051 Starkey Road, was unloading a customer’s .45 caliber handgun inside the gun shop. Smith informed detectives that he was clearing the loaded firearm when he pulled the slide back and emptied the chambered round from inside the firearm. When Smith sent the slide forward on the handgun, there was a magazine with ammunition still inside the handgun and the gun accidentally discharged.

The projectile from the handgun traveled southbound, through the adjoining wall, and into Dara’s Nail Salon and Day Spa, located at 9040 Starkey Road.

Detectives say that Gilbert was seated in a salon chair getting a pedicure at the nail salon when she felt the pain from the projectile striking her in the back. At the time, Gilbert was unaware of what happened until Smith came forward and reported the accidental discharge.

Gilbert was released from the hospital late on Friday, February, 10, 2017.

No arrests have been made in this case.

The investigation continues.