Fairfax County Cops

Fairfax County Cops

Sylvan Lake officer recovering after accidentally shooting himself



Sylvan Lake officer recovering after accidentally shooting himself

Sylvan Lake— An unnamed Sylvan Lake police officer is recuperating after accidentally shooting himself in the stomach while checking his departmental handgun.

Officer Eric Zuehlik said no information was available about the incident, other than the officer suffered a "minor" wound.

"The officer is OK and we may have more information tomorrow," he said.

Police Chief Mark Silver had a scheduled day off Tuesday and was unavailable for comment. Sylvan Lake City Manager John Martin did not return telephone calls.

According to a police source, the officer was preparing himself to work a night fireworks detail and was checking his handgun at the department late Monday afternoon when it went off. He was taken to an area hospital, but police would not disclose whether he was admitted or treated and released.

According to the city's website, the police department has three full-time officers, including the chief; five part-time officers and 15 reserve officers