Bronx, New York – A shocking incident unfolded inside a police transport van on Thursday, October 16, when a loaded handgun was allegedly pulled from a man’s rectum, resulting in another inmate sustaining a gunshot wound. The 32-year-old inmate, sitting among four other prisoners, reportedly retrieved the weapon and discharged it while the van was en route from the Bronx toward Westchester County Jail.

Authorities said the firearm was a .22-caliber handgun. Officers driving the van immediately heard the shot and realized that one of the passengers had been injured. Emergency measures were taken on the spot, and the van was quickly turned around and returned to police headquarters to secure the scene and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Once the van returned to headquarters, law enforcement officials confirmed that the handgun had been smuggled inside the inmate’s body, a concealment method described by investigators as “unthinkable.” The weapon had gone completely undetected during the prisoner’s initial arrest and processing, raising serious concerns about current security procedures.

The injured inmate was promptly treated for a gunshot wound to the leg. Hospital sources reported that the individual is in stable condition and recovering from the injury, though authorities have not released further details about the victim’s identity. The incident has prompted an internal investigation into how such a dangerous item bypassed multiple levels of security.

Police sources revealed that two officers who had handled the inmate prior to the transport are now on modified duty pending the investigation. Department officials stressed that no assumptions have been made about negligence or misconduct at this stage, but they emphasized the importance of reviewing and strengthening inmate search protocols immediately.

In response to the alarming incident, the department announced that all prisoner searches will now include mandatory metal detector screenings. Officials hope that this added measure will prevent similar dangerous contraband from being smuggled into secure vehicles or correctional facilities in the future.

The inmate who discharged the weapon is now facing additional criminal charges. Law enforcement sources said the charges include assault and illegal possession of a firearm. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the case aggressively given the severity of the incident and the potential danger posed to officers and other inmates.

Investigators described the method of concealment as highly unusual and extremely risky. Smuggling a loaded handgun in such a manner posed a serious threat to everyone in the van, and authorities noted that the quick response by the officers likely prevented more serious injuries or fatalities.

This event has reignited conversations about prison transport safety and the need for more rigorous screening procedures. Experts have called the incident a rare but stark reminder of the lengths some individuals may go to in order to bypass security measures and carry weapons into controlled environments.

The department has pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations and has committed to reviewing all protocols related to prisoner searches, transport, and contraband detection. Meanwhile, the wounded inmate continues to recover, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains active.