INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. -- An Indian River County deputy is expected to be released from the hospital shortly after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a training exercise Wednesday.
“We’re in the process of looking into and figuring out exactly what happened out there," said Major Eric Flowers.
Without going into the specifics of the shooting exercise, the sheriff’s office said they put their deputies under stress.
“We try and simulate realistic stress and realistic training environments as much as we can to make our employees better prepared for situations they may encounter," said Flowers.
The bullet struck the deputy’s right thigh and exited the knee.
The name of the deputy has not been released.
The shooting range off County Road 512 is closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it’s often on those days when law enforcement does its training at the location.
"Fortunately, the deputy is in good spirits and was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center where they’re receiving very good care," said Major Flowers.
In a statement, Sheriff Deryl Loar added, “Law enforcement is a dangerous career. Even when we train, there is a potential for injury. We hope for a speedy recovery.”