Motorcyclist hit by stray bullet from target practice south of Carver

CARVER, Minn. (FOX 9) - A motorcyclist is receiving treatment after he was hit by a stray bullet along a county road south of Carver, Minnesota.

According to the Carver County Sheriff's Office, at about 6:13 p.m. Tuesday, a group was doing target practice on a property near the intersection of County Road 40 and Homestead Road as a group of bikers rode by.

A stray bullet hit one of the motorcyclists who was heading southwest on County Road 40. 

"He was able to get slowed down and pulled over safely to the side of the road and then the party that he was riding with, they realized what had happened and called for emergency services," said Sheriff Jason Kamerud.

Crews took the injured man to Hennepin County Medical Center. He is in stable condition.

A neighbor tells FOX 9 she heard between five and six shots ring out and then later saw the motorcyclist lying by the side of the road with his friends trying to help him.

The people involved with the target shooting seem to be cooperating with police. Family members of the victim say the bullet remained lodged in his shoulder and he was waiting to possibly undergo surgery to have it removed.

Sheriff Kamerud says although this appears to be accidental, it's still something that should not have happened. “I think that this kind of event really underscores the importance of being sure of your target and the things that are beyond the target.”

We’re told by the victim’s family that he is doing ok. The Carver County Sheriff says it’s unclear if any charges will be filed.