CEDAR CITY — A 47-year-old man who was target shooting was treated for a gunshot wound to his finger following an incident in Iron County on Sunday evening, officials said.
The incident reportedly happened around 7:30 p.m. at the Iron County Shooting Range, which is located in the Three Peaks Recreation Area about 13 miles northwest of downtown Cedar City.
Iron County Sheriff’s Lt. David Mitchell said the man was using a .223 caliber AR-15 style pistol equipped with a long hand guard and compensator at the end of the barrel.
“After (firing) approximately 25-plus rounds, the man felt a sharp pain pulse through his finger and into his arm,” Mitchell told Cedar City News, adding, “He then observed the tip of his finger had been blown off.”
Mitchell said the man had been using a sleeping bag to cover the shooting bench and as a rifle rest.
“According to the man, the wind blew the sleeping bag, which partially covered part of the muzzle compensator,” Mitchell said, adding that the ensuing gas blowback from the muzzle took off the tip of the man’s left index finger.
Mitchell said on Monday afternoon that he did not have any updates regarding the man’s medical condition.
“Nothing suspicious or criminal was found,” Mitchell added. “The case is closed out as an accidental shooting.”
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