Indian River County deputy injures self with firearm at shooting range

Elliott Jones | Treasure Coast Newspapers

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An Indian River County Sheriff's deputy was accidentally injured by gunfire during a training exercise at the Indian River County Shooting Range shortly before noon Wednesday, according to Indian River County Fire Rescue and the Sheriff's Office.

The wound was self inflicted, according to sheriff's officials. The person's identification was withheld.

"The deputy accidentally discharged their firearm, causing a bullet to strike the right thigh," according to a Sheriff's Office news release.

The person had what was described as a nonlife-threatening injury and was taken to the Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne, said Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Brian Burkeen.

The public range is on County Road 512, west of Sebastian and is closed to the public on Wednesday, a day when the Sheriff's Office leases it for training.

A number of deputies were at the range at the time.

Further details weren't released pending the results of an investigation.

"Law enforcement is a dangerous career," said Sheriff Deryl Loar. "Even when we train, there is a potential for injury. We hope for a speedy recovery."

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