A Florida sheriff was arrested Thursday after he accidentally shot his girlfriend while cleaning his gun, authorities said.

According to a Facebook post, the Ocala, Florida Police Department (OPD) received a report of a shooting in Ocala, Florida just before 11 p.m. on Thursday.

“The call came from Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Leslie Boileau, who reported he had accidentally shot his girlfriend,” police said.

When officers responded to the scene, they reportedly found the victim “suffering a fatal wound to the forehead.” Authorities found a 9mm handgun in the woman's lap and also found a rifle at the scene, OPD said.

“Boilhauer stated the incident occurred while he and the victim were handling firearms and dry firing, and that the shot was accidental,” the press release stated.

Authorities said Boileau told police he had returned home after dinner with his girlfriend and began cleaning his firearm. OPD said Boileau “was demonstrating how to use a rifle when he accidentally discharged a round, causing a fatality.”

Police said they executed a search warrant at Boyleault's residence and “physical evidence recovered at the scene corroborated the suspect's statements.” (RELATED: San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Arrested for Suspected Motorcycle Gang Membership)

“I know this is a really bad situation,” Boilew told officers after his initial questioning. According to An arrest warrant was obtained by ClickOrlando.

“I told her I didn't want this to happen,” he allegedly said.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim's family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time,” Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken said in a press release. “The Ocala Police Department is committed to working with the State's Attorney's Office to ensure justice is served.”

Boyleault was charged with manslaughter following the fatal shooting.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office told ClickOrlando that Boyleault was “effectively terminated” following the incident, ending his eight-year career as a deputy.