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RIVERTON — A man was shot in the stomach Saturday afternoon in an apparent gun cleaning accident, police said.
At about 2 p.m., Unified Police responded to 1411 W. 18940 South where the accident took place. Three men were there at a get together in the garage. A 25-year-old man was preparing to clean his 45 caliber handgun attempted to remove a round from the chamber, according to Lt. Justin Hoyal.
In doing so, the gun went off and struck a 34-year-old man in the stomach.
The man was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Nevertheless, the man was alert and speaking with officers. Initially, air transport was called but the man was eventually transported by ambulance, Hoyal said.
The incident is being treated as an accident and no charges or further investigation are planned.
Hoyal called the incident an "unfortunate reminder" for people to keep their guns pointed in a safe direction at all times, even during maintenance.
Hoyal had no information on the victim's current condition.
