A Fairfield man faces several charges after he apparently shot himself in the groin while fishing Friday south of Golden Gate in southeastern Wayne County.



WFIW Radio identified the injured man as 28-year-old William O. Shelton.

A Fairfield man faces several charges after he apparently shot himself in the groin while fishing Friday south of Golden Gate in southeastern Wayne County.

WFIW Radio identified the injured man as 28-year-old William O. Shelton.

Investigating Wayne County deputies found Shelton lying in a yard and he was was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital. Doctors told police he sustained a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen. The bullet then passed through the abdomen and through Shelton's scrotum before exiting and lodging in his upper thigh.

Shelton told police the gun accidentally discharged as he pulled it from his waistband. He said he had no idea who the .22 caliber pistol belonged to, claiming he found it along the riverbank.

Shelton faces preliminary charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unlawful use of weapons and possession of a weapon without a valid FOID card.

Because of his injuries, Shelton has not been jailed. He remains free on his own recognizance pending the filing of formal charges and setting of bond.