A concealed weapon charge has been filed against a woman in connection with the discharge of a handgun inside Lexington Medical Center.
Angelia Swygert Hawes, a 58-year-old concealed weapons permit holder from Leesville, is charged with carrying a concealable weapon into a restricted place. South Carolina’s concealed weapons permit statute notes a “hospital, medical clinic, doctor’s office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures are performed unless expressly authorized by the employer…” as locations where a CWP holder is not authorized to carry a concealable weapon.
Hawes concealed a .25 caliber handgun in her purse while she was in the hospital May 4, according to an arrest warrant.
Investigators said the firearm accidentally discharged inside the restroom of the hospital’s South Tower lobby and a person was struck. The individual suffered a non life-threatening injury.
Hawes was released from the Lexington County Detention Center this morning on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.