Ohio mom accidentally shoots daughter who came home from college to surprise her, police say

A young woman comes home from college to surprise her mom, but that surprise turns into horror when her mother thinks an intruder is in the house, and shoots her own daughter.

It's a scenario that is likely a parent's worst nightmare.

For the 18-year-old college student it was the most innocent of intentions, but on the flip-side for her mother -- in the house alone, she became frightened and took measures to protect herself.

21 News obtained the 911 call made by the victim's boyfriend:
CALLER:
"My girlfriend just came home from college and her mom didn't know, like honestly -- she accidentally shot her and we don't know what to do."
DISPATCHER:
"She accidentally shot her?"
CALLER:
"Yes, I believe in the arm."
DISPATCHER:
"Okay and how bad is she bleeding?"
CALLER:
"IT'S PRETTY BAD."

Girard Police Chief John Norman tells 21 News, "The mother who has a valid CCW permit - even though she was in her own house, was startled by some noises she heard in the kitchen or hallway area.  She stated that the bedroom door opened where she was at -- and she had a gun readily available and she fired a round at someone coming through the door."

Girard Firefighters responded to the call, along with police and saw the 18-year-old victim being walked down the driveway.

She had the area of her right bicep wrapped in a towel and was covered in blood.

Chief Norman said the mother, was clearly distraught.  Only realizing it was her daughter who was shot -- after she fired the .38 special.

"We will collect all the facts, and we will present it to a Prosecutor, not to be malicious.  But we have to present the facts like we would in any other case.  At that point the Prosecutor will make a decision whether we will go ahead and charge or not charge in this case," Chief Norman said.

21 News did stop by the family's Ohio Avenue home and was told the victim is out of the hospital and resting.

Detectives on the scene Friday night found the revolver laying on the floor in the bedroom next to the bed.  The weapon was taken into evidence and had four live round and one spent round in the cylinder.

Chief Norman said he tried to think of what advice to give in such a difficult case, "If you realize someone has a gun for protection, and they're not expecting you -- announce yourself when you enter the home, or even if you're getting up to get a drink of water in the middle of the night, just announce yourself.