SHERMAN, NY -The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting accident that took place early Wednesday night near 2998 Armenian Road.

According to the sheriff’s office media release, deputies and the Sherman Fire Department responded to a report of an accidental shooting in the area of 2998 Armenian Road in the Town of Sherman at 5:24 p.m. On arrival, EMS crews located 43-year-old Rosemary Billquist with a single gun shot wound. She was transported to UPMC Hamot in Erie, where she died from her injuries.

Police say 34-year-old Thomas Jadlowski identified himself to Deputies as the person who shot Billquist. According to Jadlowski, he believed he saw a deer in a field when he fired a single shot pistol. Jadlowski reported hearing a scream and he immediately responded to the area approximately 200 yards away where he discovered Billquist. Jadlowski called 911 and applied pressure to Billquist’s wound until EMS arrived.

Preliminary investigation suggests that Billquist was in the field walking her dogs at the time of the incident. Investigation also reveals that Jadlowski fired the shot after sunset, which is the legal limit to hunt deer.

Police say Jadlowski is cooperating with the investigation. At this time no charges have been filed against Jadlowski, but the investigation is continuing.

The case will be reviewed by the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office for a determination on whether Jadlowski may face criminal charges.

Sheriff’s Deputies were joined in the investigation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police.