By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
The sheriff’s office is offering reminders about gun safety after two men suffered separate accidental self inflicted gunshot wounds yesterday morning in East Lewis County within about an hour of each other.
One was shot in the foot with his rifle near Morton and the other in his leg when he dropped his handgun near Lake Mayfield.
“These are two very fortunate men,” Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield said in a news release. “The outcome of both of these situations could have resulted in even more serious injuries or possibly death.”
It was around 10 o’clock when a 27-year-old Mossyrock man hiking with friends near the 5500 block of U.S. Highway 12 got his coat hung up on a limb somehow causing his .357 caliber rifle to go off, according to the sheriff’s office. His friends helped him get back to their car and drove him to the hospital, according to Chief Civil Deputy Stacy Brown. Brown said the man’s companions thought his gun was unloaded, Brown stated.
At about 11 a.m., a 53-year-old Gig Harbor resident was preparing to test fire his .22 caliber pistol at his hunting camp along the 500 block of Winston Creek Road when he heard something, turned, slipped on a rock and dropped his gun, according to Brown.
He was able to call 911 and was transported to by aid to Morton General Hospital, Brown stated. A deputy met up with both victims at the same hospital yesterday.
The men’s names and conditions were not released or readily available.
Mansfield lists these basic gun handling reminders:
• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Firearms should be unloaded when not in use.
• Don’t rely on your guns “safety”.
• Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.