Published: July 03, 2009 10:31 pm      

Logan man injured in accidental shooting

Flown to Fort Wayne, he’s treated and released. within three hours

A Logansport man was treated and released after suffering an accidental gunshot wound Friday evening.

Emergency personnel were dispatched to 719 18th Street at 5:58 p.m. on the report of a man suffering a gunshot wound to the chest.

According to Lt. Cathy Collins of the Logansport Police Department, Juan Avila, 22, took a handgun to the home to show its resident, Jose Salvador Mendez. Avila had taken the magazine out of the weapon, but had not cleared the chamber.

Avila was sitting on the deck at a patio table with another person when Mendez, who was standing, picked the gun up out of its case and it discharged. The bullet struck Avila in the upper left chest. Police believe the bullet ricocheted off the table before striking him.

He was transported by Cass County EMS to Logansport Memorial Hospital. He was then transported to Fort Wayne’s Parkview Hospital by Samaritan helicopter.

Surgeons at Parkview removed the bullet, which struck a rib that diverted it away from his heart. Collins said Avila was discharged and on his way back to Logansport before 9 p.m.

Collins said the shooting was an accident and no charges were pending Friday night. The case, however, remains under investigation.

• Dempsey is the Pharos-Tribune’s associate editor. He may be reached at (574) 732-5150 or by e-mail at john.dempsey@pharostribune.com