PB man accidentally shoots himself

A Poplar Bluff man was treated for a gunshot wound Friday afternoon after he accidentally shot himself.

Butler County Deputy Derek House contacted a 66-year-old man at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center about the shooting, which had occurred at his home in the 1600 block of Cravens Road.

The man reported at about 1:30 p.m. he was behind his residence target shooting with his Taurus 9mm handgun, House wrote in his report.

“(He) stated that he thought the gun was empty and started to walk back to the house,” House said. “(He) stated that while he was walking the gun fired, striking him in the left thigh.”

House said the man further reported his wife was with him at the time, and she was able to secure the firearm and transport him to the hospital.

“While speaking with (the man), he stated that he was embarrassed that he shot himself … ,” House said.