Man suffers eye injury after poking shotgun shell that later activated: Mission RCMP
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MISSION — Mounties in Mission say a 27-year-old man sought medical treatment a little over a week ago after he used a knife to poke at a shotgun shell he discovered in the remote backcountry, and set off the shell, resulting in shrapnel to his face.
According to a statement from the Mission RCMP detachment, police say a man and his friends were camping along a remote forest service road on Sunday evening, June 23 when they found a pile of shotgun shells. The 27-year-old man began using his knife to poke and prod one of the shotgun shells when he activated the primer and set off the shell. Police say the man suffered injuries to his face from the resulting shrapnel, but the injuries were minor and not serious. He sought treatment at Mission Memorial Hospital that same night.
“This is an important reminder that ammunition can be dangerous even if not loaded into a gun, and safe handling practices should also be used,” Mission RCMP said in a statement. “Also, anyone discharging firearms in the backcountry is reminded to do so lawfully and safely, and to clean up all spent and unspent shell casings before leaving.”
On a related note, police say a group of males from Surrey, Abbotsford, Coquitlam and Langley were contacted by Mission RCMP after they were reportedly discharged firearms near Farms Road, between Dale Road and Stave Lake Road in Hatzic on the evening of Saturday, June 22. A resident contacted police after seeing the group of guys shooting in the area of the dyke there. Police advised the group about the dangers of shooting in the area, and reminded them that the area is a no-shooting zone. Individuals who want to discharge firearms in the Mission area are encouraged to review the “No Shooting Areas” with the Fraser Valley Regional District available on the FVRD’s website.
