Guardsman in bay area for RNC shot accidentally

ST. PETERSBURG — A national guardsman accidentally shot a colleague Thursday night while examining a loaded revolver in a room at the La Quinta Hotel.

Jeffrey A. Spurr, 26, of Bronson, was checking out the grip on Michael Wdowiak's .357 revolver when the gun went off, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Three other people were in the room, but Wdowiak, 21, of Weirsdale, was the only person injured, deputies said. Paramedics were called to the La Quinta at 4999 34th St. N at 10:22 p.m.

Wdowiak was taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery Thursday night.

No charges have been filed. Both men serve in the Florida National Guard company based in Ocala. They were in town to help with the Republican National Convention.