(Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township, ON) – Yesterday just after 4:00pm members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was called by hospital staff to attend Campbellford Memorial Hospital to investigate a shooting incident.
A 73 year old male, from the New Tecumseth area, advised he was hunting in an area north of the Village of Havelock off of Peterborough County Road 46. The hunter stated that, around 2:00pm, he was climbing a tree stand when his loaded shotgun fell. The force of the fall caused the firearm to discharge injuring his leg. He then drove himself to the hospital to seek treatment. The injured man sustained a serious gunshot wound and was transferred to a Kingston area hospital. The Peterborough County Detachment of the OPP is continuing the investigation.
The OPP wish to remind area hunters to follow the basic firearm safety rules:
Assume every gun is loaded
Always point guns in a safe direction
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire
Be sure of your target and what is beyond
Unload firearms when crossing an obstacle or climbing in a tree stand
The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.
Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: www.stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)