A man was injured this afternoon after an apparent accidental discharge of a firearm inside a Maricopa apartment complex at Flatz 520, marking the second accidental shooting reported in the city this week, police said.

According to the Maricopa Police Department, a man accidentally discharged the firearm around 2 p.m., striking himself in the leg. Police said there is no ongoing danger to the community.

As the call came in as someone shot, Maricopa Police had a large response with 11 squad cars, motorcycle units, ambulances and fire trucks. The injured man was carried down from a third-floor apartment and loaded into an ambulance. A family member or friend rode in the ambulance with the shooting victim.

The victim was awake and conscious as he was transported and waved his finger at the InMaricopa reporter taking photographs. His condition was not immediately released.

The incident comes just two days after another man accidentally shot himself while cleaning a firearm inside his Senita home on Monday night.

In that incident, police said a homeowner suffered a single gunshot wound to the thigh near Santa Rosa Parkway and Raynon Street. He was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital. Friends told reporters the man was licensed to carry a firearm and believed the shooting was accidental.

While police classified both incidents as accidental, some firearms instructors say such incidents are more accurately described as preventable.

“I wouldn’t call these accidental shootings. That’s not an accident, that’s negligence,” said Nick, an instructor at Minutemen Supply, a local firearms retailer that offers concealed-carry and first-time owner training. “If you’re handling a firearm and don’t inspect it to make sure it’s clear, that’s when injuries happen.”

In a statement, Maricopa Police Chief Mark Goodman emphasized the importance of firearm safety.

“The Maricopa Police Department takes firearm safety very seriously,” Goodman said. “Any accidental or negligent discharge is concerning, and we encourage all gun owners to regularly review and follow safe firearm handling practices.”

Goodman said those practices include “treating every firearm as if it is loaded, never pointing a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot, and safely storing firearms unloaded and secured when not in use.”

“We also encourage gun owners to seek out proper training and education to ensure they are handling firearms responsibly and in accordance with the law,” Goodman said. “Firearm safety is a shared responsibility, and following these basic principles can help prevent injuries and protect our community.”

Police did not indicate whether charges would be filed in either case. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.