Mitchell Man Falls Asleep, Shoots Self by Accident

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — Authorities say a Mitchell man suffered minor injuries when he accidentally shot himself after falling asleep on his back porch while holding a loaded handgun.

The Associated Press reports that the 34-year-old man was sitting on the back porch after 2 a.m. Thursday when a family member turned on the porch light and opened a door. Authorities say the man was startled by the light and noise, and unintentionally pulled the gun's trigger and shot himself in the midsection.

Police says the man suffered minor flesh wounds.

Mitchell Police Investigator Joel Reinesch says the man's name is not being released because no charges have been filed as a result of the shooting. He says the Davison County State's Attorney's Office will decide later whether to file charges.

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