Indiana Conservation Officer Cpl. Erick Bolt is investigating a firearm incident that happened in Cromwell and resulted in an injury to a North Webster man.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Friday, Stephen R. White, 70, was sighting in his 12 gauge shotgun using sabot slugs in a field located near 1910 South SR 5. White was preparing for the upcoming deer firearm season.

White had fired the first shot at his target, but when he fired the second shot, the shotgun barrel exploded in the hand that was holding the barrel, causing injury to one of his fingers.

White then drove himself to Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw for treatment.

Cpl. Bolt concluded from his investigation that the shotgun barrel became obstructed by the plastic expanding cup sabot from the first shot. The shotgun barrel exploded as a result of the obstruction when he took his second shot.

The extent of White’s injury was not disclosed.