WPD officer hit with own bullet

WILMINGTON — A Wilmington Police officer was wounded Tuesday morning, hit by his own bullet.

Investigators say the officer was training at the firing range when he got hit in the arm with a bullet fragment.

The officer is OK. He was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center with superficial injuries.

The accident happened this morning at the county’s firing range off Highway 421 North.

Investigators say the officer was practicing shooting at close-range targets.
One of his bullets hit a metal bar behind the target and ricocheted, hitting the officer in the arm.

A WPD spokesperson says the officer was practicing with the city’s Special Enforcement Response Team.

Police department policy says an internal investigation will now take place. Officials are calling it a “freak accident.”