Former Florida deputy who says he accidentally shot his girlfriend while “dry-firing” a gun has been arrested for manslaughter

A former Florida deputy sheriff has been arrested on manslaughter charges in connection with the accidental shooting of his girlfriend, authorities said.

Leslie Boileau called 911 Thursday night to report that he had “accidentally shot his girlfriend” in their Ocala home. The girlfriend was found with a handgun on her lap, “and a rifle was also present at the scene,” Ocala police said in a statement on Facebook.

Boileau told police he and his girlfriend were “handling the firearms and dry firing them” when the shooting occurred, authorities said. Dry firing is Firing a weapon without live ammunition.

He was taken into custody for questioning and told detectives that he and his girlfriend came home from dinner with a package of gun cleaning supplies, so they began cleaning their firearms.

“While Boileau was demonstrating the use of a rifle, he accidentally fired a loaded cartridge, causing the fatal incident,” police said.

The girlfriend was shot in the head.

According to an affidavit obtained by NBC affiliate WESH in Daytona Beach, Boileau told police his girlfriend asked him to teach her how to use the gun.

Ocala police said a search warrant was executed and evidence was found that confirmed his statement.

“Based on these findings, Leslie Boileau was arrested for manslaughter for his role in the fatal shooting,” police said.

Police Chief Mike Balken called the shooting a “tragic incident” and expressed his condolences to the victim's family.

Boileau was a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for eight years but was immediately fired after the shooting, the office told WESH. The gun used in the fatal incident was not his service weapon, the office said.

“We are heartbroken for the victim's family and friends,” said Sheriff Billy Woods. “Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers do a commendable job every day. But unfortunately, the tragic actions of one individual are felt throughout the police community. The Ocala Police Department has the support of my office as they continue their investigation into this tragic incident.”