CHEEKTOWAGA – An Ellwood Place resident was transported to the hospital after suffering an apparent accidental gunshot wound early Wednesday evening.

A law enforcement source tells Cheektowaga Chronicle it appears that the man was cleaning a handgun when it went off. He suffered a gunshot wound to his left hand.

American Medical Response and Cheektowaga Police responded to the home around 6:15 pm. Officers first on scene started to treat the man who was bleeding profusely from his injury.

The man was able to walk out to an ambulance after initial first aid was performed. He was transported to Erie County Medical Center for further treatment.

Detectives from the Cheektowaga Police Department responded to the scene and are beginning their investigation.

Cleveland Hill firefighters responded to the scene but did not appear to have any patient contact.

Editorial note: The Cheektowaga Chronicle is concealing the victim’s identity and his home as this appears to be an accident and no criminal charges have been filed.