DECATUR TOWNSHIP – The investigation is continuing into an accidental shooting that occurred Saturday at a Copeland Road residence in Decatur Township, reported the state police at Clearfield.
According to the report, Paul L. Hazel, 45, of Philipsburg was holding a 9mm handgun. He was starting to clean the handgun when it unexpectedly fired. Hazel was struck in the abdomen/hip area.
When the bullet exited Hazel’s lower left back/buttocks area, it traveled into the adjoining rock, at which point it struck Andrew J. Hicks, 19, also of Philipsburg, in the backside of his left hand. It traveled through Hicks’ hand and exited his palm, state police said.
Both Hazel and Hicks were transported to the Altoona Hospital. Both were treated for minor injuries and released, according to state police.