Visalia PD officer's gun accidentally discharges, family member hit

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Visalia police and the Tulare County Sheriff's Office are investigating an accidental shooting by a Visalia police officer.

Police say Officer Amerie Norman accidentally discharged a personal weapon while off-duty Monday night. The bullet went through the walls of her home and hit an adult female family member. That woman is expected to be ok. Visalia police say they don't know what led up to the weapon going off.

Sgt. Damon Maurice with the Visalia Police Department said, "At this point we're not sure exactly what the circumstances were or why the weapon was out. We have asked the Tulare County Sheriff's Office to do their investigation to find those answers for us."

Officer Norman has been with the Visalia Police Department for five years. She is on paid administrative leave during the investigation.