Man Injured in Accidental Shooting Near St. Francois River

St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - St. Francois County Sheriff’s deputies responded at approximately 4:21 p.m. Tuesday to the 2500 block of Highway H near the St. Francois River following reports of a gunshot injury.

According to Sheriff Jeff Crites, deputies located a 34-year-old man near the river suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Emergency responders from the Wolf Creek Fire Protection District and the St. Francois County Ambulance District provided treatment at the scene before transporting the victim by ground ambulance to a St. Louis-area hospital for precautionary care.

Detectives were called to investigate the incident. Preliminary findings indicate the victim had been walking near the river when he heard gunshots and then realized he had been struck.

Authorities interviewed the individual believed responsible, along with witnesses at the scene, before releasing them pending further investigation.

Investigators say early findings suggest the shooting was accidental and isolated, and officials emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.

Sheriff Crites also used the incident to remind the public about the importance of firearm safety, including treating every firearm as loaded, never pointing a weapon at anything not intended to be destroyed, keeping fingers off triggers until ready to fire, and being certain of targets and what lies beyond them.