An unidentified man was shot in the hand after his own gun unexpectedly fired off a round. It happened Tuesday afternoon outside the Walmart store on North Atherton Street.
Patton Township Police Chief John Petrick describes the incident as a freak accident.
According to Petrick, the 45-year-old victim was walking through the Walmart parking lot when a passing driver waved him across the road, “He jogged across the traffic way, the gun fell out of his holster, he picks it up and it discharges,” says Petrick.
“He had several bags in his hand and was rushing to pick up the gun and got tangled up.”
The gunshot, fired from a .40 caliber Glock, struck the man in his right hand.
He was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center for treatment. There’s no word on the extent of his injuries.
Petrick says no one else was hurt and, “The bullet fell right there on the asphalt.”
The victim has a valid firearm carry permit. No charges will be filed.
