BELINGTON – A city police officer was in surgery after an accidental shooting early Wednesday, according to Mayor Matt Ryan.

The investigation is being handled by the West Virginia State Police. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. at the officer’s residence while he was off duty.

“It appears accidental and nothing criminal related,” Ryan said in a social media statement.

Ryan said the officer sustained a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the arm. He was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

Ryan said he was thankful for the quick response of the Belington Emergency Squad and the Belington Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the Barbour County 911 Center.

The officer’s name was not available.

Ryan was asking community members to keep the officer in their thoughts.

“He’s a young officer and has been doing a heck of a job here for us,” Ryan said.