Highland Park Man Accidentally Shoots Himself In Hand While Cleaning Gun: Report

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A man was hospitalized after accidentally shooting himself in the hand while cleaning his gun at home, according to a report from Lake and McHenry County Scanner.

The Highland Park Fire and Police Departments responded to the Dec. 28 incident at 9:12 a.m. in the 600 block of Kincaid Street. A 911 call told dispatchers that a man was cleaning a gun when it discharged and struck his hand.

First responders ensured the scene was secure before transporting the man to a nearby hospital.

According to police and fire department reports obtained by Lake and McHenry County Scanner, the man was preparing to clean his Glock 42 handgun in his bedroom. He told police he was planning to go to a gun range in Lake Forest with a relative later that morning.

The firearm discharged when he removed the magazine and began to remove the slide, going through his left hand. The gun and casing were later found in a laundry basket in the main bedroom closet.

The magazine was found on the bedroom floor. The police report didn't indicate that there was anything suspicious about the incident.

Read more from Lake and McHenry County Scanner: Man accidentally shoots himself in the hand while trying to clean gun in Highland Park