An 18-year-old man from Newaygo County suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen in what is believed to be an accidental shooting while handling guns with a friend. According to the WZZM13, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. Monday at the 8000 block of E. Filmore Road. The sheriff's office stated that one of the individuals thought the firearm was unloaded prior to the shooting.
The reports from the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, which were echoed by WOOD, indicated the victim was airlifted to a Grand Rapids-area hospital and was later listed in fair condition on Tuesday morning, and deputies at the scene ascertained the shooting was accidental, which involved two friends who were shooting guns, one friend believed the gun was unloaded, another person picked it up, and the accidental discharge occurred.
Emergency responders, namely Life EMS and Walkerville Fire & Rescue, offered immediate care before the victim's transfer to the hospital. Per a report by 9and10news, multiple 911 callers reported hearing several shots fired prior to another caller requesting assistance, while deputies promptly responded to the incident late Monday night.
Details surrounding the exact circumstances of the discharge continue to be the subject of an ongoing investigation, although authorities maintain, the belief remains that the injury was the result of an accident, the 18-year-old is currently receiving care at Corwell Health-Butterworth, and an update on his condition has yet to be released beyond the initial fair condition status.
