LEMOORE — A Lemoore man tried to reload his revolver on Wednesday and inadvertently shot a woman instead, police said.
The bullet passed through the woman’s palm and embedded itself in her thigh.
She was treated for nonlife threatening injuries at a nearby hospital, police Cmdr. Steve Rossi said.
Officials believe the shooting was accidental. A neighbor reported hearing the man, who was not named because police declined to press charges, screaming for help soon after the shot.
Police were called out to the 100 block of Follett Street around 10:39 p.m.
The shooter, 35, claimed he initially unloaded the gun, but went back to reload it as they prepared to leave the house.
Both the shooter and the victim were drinking at the time.
The gun, a small .22-caliber, discharged while the woman was standing in front of him.
“We’re not going to recommend charges in this case ,” Rossi said. “Our officers investigated and it appears to be an accident.”
March 27, 2013 5:43 AM