Man Accidently Shot In Target Practice Incident Near Williston

A man was taken to the hospital Sunday evening after accidentally shooting himself in the leg while target practicing northwest of Williston, officials said.

The Williston Fire Department reported that crews were dispatched at 5:31 p.m. to the 5800 block of 141st Avenue Northwest after 911 callers said a man in his 30s had been struck. Deputies from the Williams County Sheriff’s Office also responded.

According to the fire department, Medic 2 was the first unit to arrive, about 10 minutes after the call. Firefighters and paramedics found the man alert but bleeding from a leg wound. People who had been with him at the time had already applied a tourniquet, an action that officials later said may have prevented the situation from becoming life-threatening.

The patient was stabilized at the scene and then transported to CHI St. Alexius Health Williston Medical Center. Authorities said he was listed in stable condition.

Assistant Chief Corey Johnson said the quick thinking of those nearby likely made a critical difference. “It is noteworthy to highlight that this person received prompt and effective first aid care by those on the scene during the incident,” Johnson said in a statement. “This person likely had a better outcome because of exceptional first aid.”

The Williams County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation.

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We will have more on this situation as it continues to develop.