Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at the Tri-County shooting range on Saturday around 5 p.m.

According to Indiana Conservation Officer Nathan Hooley, Joseph Miretti was firing his Ruger 22/45 MKII pistol which he had altered by mounting a vertical foregrip to it. This type of foregrip is typically used on AR-15 type rifles.

Miretti was firing the pistol when he went to adjust his left hand, which was holding the attached foregrip. While doing so, Miretti’s left index finger found its way in front of the muzzle while he continued to fire the pistol. After shooting himself, Miretti was transported to Goshen General Hospital where he lost the tip of his left index finger.

Officer Hooley stated this incident could have been avoided had Miretti not altered the pistol by attaching a piece of equipment that was not designed to be used in the manner which he used it.

With the upcoming hunting seasons fast approaching, Indiana Conservation Officers urge all hunters and recreational shooters to follow safe firearm handling procedures. Some of these include but are not limited to knowing how to safely operate your firearm, always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, always knowing what is beyond your target, and always treating every firearm as if it were loaded.

For anyone wishing to learn more about safe firearm handling procedures, information regarding upcoming Hunter Education Classes can be found at http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/4812.htm or by calling 574-457-8092.