Clarence Bodiford, 61, was showing off a firearm he hoped to sell at a yard sale in Green Valley, Arizona, when the gun suddenly discharged, striking two landscapers who had wandered over from a neighboring property, according to police.
Background
The shooting occurred at a residence belonging to Bodiford's friend in the Pima County community of Green Valley. Investigators say Bodiford was displaying the weapon to a group of landscapers who were working next door and had approached to inquire about purchasing firearms. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Bodiford retrieved the firearm from his car and initially emptied its ammunition, showing the potential buyers that it was unloaded. The gun was passed around the group for examination before Bodiford put ammunition back into the chamber.
Bodiford then began "manipulating" the weapon while demonstrating what he described as a safety function, authorities allege. That's when the firearm discharged.
"It was an accident but it was also reckless," one of the victims told police, according to the affidavit.
The Charges
Police say Bodiford fled the scene immediately in his white 1997 GMC Safari following the shooting. He remained at large for more than two months before being apprehended in Florida this week.
Bodiford is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to authorities. He also faces a charge of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited possessor because he is a convicted felon barred from owning firearms. Investigators have not disclosed details about his prior conviction.
"Clarence then fled the scene in his white 1997 GMC Safari," the arrest affidavit alleges.
The two victims, who had been transplanting a saguaro cactus at an adjacent property, suffered significant injuries. One victim sustained a bullet that traveled through his right hand, through his groin, and into his thigh before exiting his leg. The second victim's wound was described as even more severe: bullet shrapnel became "lodged into his colon," according to the affidavit.
Both men were treated at a local hospital for their injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Clarence Bodiford, 61, allegedly shot two people while demonstrating a firearm's safety function at a yard sale in Green Valley, Arizona
- One victim was struck through the hand and groin with bullet fragments lodging in his colon
- The second victim suffered wounds to the hand, groin, thigh and leg
- Bodiford fled the scene and evaded capture for more than two months before being arrested in Florida
- He faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited possessor as a convicted felon
What's Next
Bodiford is currently in custody awaiting extradition to Arizona. No court dates have been set as of publication.
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the incident or Bodiford's whereabouts during his time on the run to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department.