EMPORIA (KSNT) – A man was injured after he reportedly shot himself while cleaning a firearm Sunday, according to police.
Officers with the Emporia Police Department (EPD) responded to reports of a shooting at 3 p.m. on Sept. 27 at a local residence in central Emporia. They found a 22-year-old man with a single gunshot wound to his leg. Medical personnel transported the man to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators determined the man accidentally shot himself while cleaning a handgun. Police said a live round remained in the firearm when the man began cleaning it.
Police encouraged firearm owners to safely handle their weapons at all times to avoid serious injury or death. Additionally, the EPD said firearm owners should keep the following in mind when handling guns:
- Always make sure the firearm is completely unloaded before beginning to clean it
- Remove all ammunition from the firearm and the immediate area
- Store or take ammunition into a different room prior to cleaning a firearm whenever possible
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even when you believe it is not loaded
- Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times
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