Joseph Pereze of Texas, celebrating 21st birthday, accidentally shoots himself

police tapeDALLAS (AP) — Authorities say a Dallas man accidentally killed himself while firing his gun in celebration at his 21st birthday party.

Joseph Perez was pronounced dead early Saturday after being taken to Methodist Hospital.

Police say Perez was celebrating having turned 21 years old on Thursday when he grabbed a gun and began shooting. His family took the gun from him, but Perez later retrieved it and accidentally shot himself.

Police spokeswoman Melinda Gutierrez says alcohol is believed to have factored into the shooting.