CHILLICOTHE — A local man was treated at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center on Thursday afternoon after accidentally shooting himself while cleaning a firearm salvaged from a house fire.
The Incident
At approximately 5:06 p.m. on March 5, officers were dispatched to the VA Medical Center Emergency Room following a report of a gunshot victim. The victim, told investigators the incident occurred in the garage of his new residence at 814 Western Ave., the site of Chillicothe Kitchen and Bath.
Salvaged Firearms
He explained to Officer Shelby Lott that they, had lost their home to a fire on January 30. This past Monday, but he was finally able to retrieve a gun safe from the debris. Finding that some of the firearms were beginning to rust, he began a cleaning process by soaking them in a bin of soap and water in his garage.
The Accidental Discharge
According to the police report, He had just finished cleaning a stainless steel Smith & Wesson 686 Magnum .357 revolver. While holding the weapon in his left hand and cycling the cylinder to ensure it was clean, He stated he did not realize the firearm was loaded.
He reportedly pulled the trigger, firing a single round that struck his pointer finger.
Medical Response
He was alone at the time of the discharge and immediately called his wife, who returned home to transport him to the VA for treatment.
The Chillicothe Police Department’s Detective Bureau was notified of the incident. Officers confirmed the firearm remained at the Western Avenue residence following the accidental shooting.
