Woman Shot By Instructor Of CWP Class Has No Hard Feelings

Updated: March 28, 2012

The Landrum woman who was accidentally shot by the instructor of a concealed weapons permit class says she has no hard feelings toward the instructor and says she hopes to one day finish the course.

"That's the worst part, that I didn't get my permit," says Christy Smith, 33.

On February 18, Smith was taking part in a CWP class taught by Skip Smith (no relation), an off-duty Spartanburg County deputy. Investigators say Skip Smith was showing another student how to handle a gun when it fired. They say Skip thought the .22-caliber gun was not loaded.

"I didn't even know I had been shot," says Christy Smith. "I heard the shot but I didn't feel anything. The next thing I know, I'm being loaded into an ambulance."

The bullet went through Christy's right forearm, then went into her abdomen, tearing her intestines in several places. She spent four days in the hospital and had surgery to repair her arm and intestines. She says her intestines are fine, but the bullet damaged nerves in her arm, leaving her without feeling in the palm of her hand and her fingers. She has recovered some control of her fingers but says her doctor told her it could be nine months to a year before she recovers full motion.

"I'm not complaining because I know I'm lucky to be alive," says Smith. "I know God was watching over me, guiding that bullet."

A bullet that is still lodged in her hip.

"(Doctors) left it in there because I can't feel it and it would cause more problems to take it out," says Smith.

The injury to her hand means she can't do her job as a nail technician at Obsessions Salon and Day Spa in Roebuck. The business has organized a 5K race to raise money for Smith and her family. She has outstanding medical bills and may be out of work for a year. She and her husband, Andrew (who is also a Spartanburg County deputy) have four children.

Smith says she has no animosity toward Skip Smith

"It was just a freak accident and could happen to anybody," says Christy Smith.

She says she still believes Sheriff Chuck Wright was right to urge women to get a CWP and says she looks forward to getting well enough to complete her training.

When asked if they are pursuing legal action, the Smiths replied, "No comment."

Skip Smith said he has "the deepest concern" for Christy.

"They know how I feel about them," says Smith. "I can't say much more than that because this thing has reached another level."

He declined to explain what he means by that and declined to answer further questions, other than saying he is still teaching CWP classes.

To see Christy's exclusive interview with Chris Cato, watch News Channel 7 at 6 tonight and check back here later.

Updated: February 22, 2012

A woman accidentally shot by an off-duty Spartanburg County sheriff's deputy during a concealed weapons permit class has been released from the hospital.

Crystal Smith of Landrum was released from Spartanburg Regional Medical Center on Tuesday. 

Smith was struck by a .22-caliber bullet during the class in Chesnee on Saturday.

Updated: February 21, 2012

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright says no charges will be filed and no suspension will be given after a deputy accidentally shot a woman while teaching a concealed weapons class.

Wright announced the investigation into the shooting is now closed.

Posted: February 18, 2012

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright said one of his deputies accidentally shot a woman while teaching a concealed weapons course in Chesnee.

Deputy Skip Smith is a certified CWP instructor with SLED outside of being a deputy at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Wright said. He said he is very experienced. 

Smith was teaching a course at the Chesnee American Legion during the firing portion of the class.  

Wright said Crystal Smith, who is married to a deputy but not to Skip Smith, was standing next to another student who was having trouble with the grip of her .22 caliber pistol.

Sheriff Wright said the instructor was unaware the pistol was loaded and accidentally shot Smith in the arm and into her side.

After the shooting, she was rushed into a car on the way to the hospital. On Chesnee Highway, near Church Road, an ambulance met that car at a gas station and Smith was taken to the hospital.

Sheriff Wright said the woman had surgery and is resting comfortably.

Because the shooting happened in a CWP class, the State Law Enforcement Division will investigate as will the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Wright said Smith should have checked the pistol and it was an unfortunate mistake but one he hopes everyone can learn from. He continues to stand behind his campaign for people to arm themselves and get a CWP. 

He said this incident shouldn't scare anyone off.