Woman accidentally brings gun into courthouse, deputies say

BROOKSVILLE – A woman accidentally brought a firearm into the Hernando County Courthouse on Monday, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Custom Protection Officer Stephen Poluchowicz spotted the loaded .22 caliber pistol around 10:17 a.m., according to an incident report.

The gun’s owner, Jane Johnson, said she had forgotten it was in her purse. Johnson was escorted outside of the building by law enforcement, who unloaded the gun, and confirmed that she had a valid concealed carry permit. Officers also checked the serial number.

Johnson was cooperative, according to the report, and reminded that guns are not allowed in government buildings.

Only law enforcement officers, state attorneys and judges are allowed to carry firearms in the courthouse, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Denise Moloney previously told Hernando Today.

No further action was taken, and the gun was secured in Johnson’s vehicle by her husband.