CASS LAKE, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — Authorities have ruled a late Monday night shooting near Cass Lake as accidental. A 42-year-old man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his leg while unloading a firearm.
According to Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs, the incident happened at 11:11 p.m. Monday. Dispatch received a report that a male passenger had accidentally shot himself in the leg after stepping out of a vehicle north of Birchmont Beach Road to unload his gun. The firearm discharged, striking him in the leg.
The driver of the vehicle immediately called emergency services and began driving toward Cass Lake Indian Health Service. Law enforcement and medical responders met the vehicle on Mission Road, where they began providing medical aid.
The man told deputies the shooting was accidental. He was transported to Sanford Health in Bemidji for treatment. No foul play is suspected, and authorities have not released the victim’s name.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds firearm owners to always keep guns unloaded until ready to use and to handle them with care when entering or exiting a vehicle.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
