posted 03-30-2005 08:20 PM         

Bullet hits Delphos man in groin

Man said he was shooting at a bullet, which exploded when hit.

A man using a pellet rifle to shoot at a .22-caliber shell ended up with bullet fragments in his groin early Sunday.

Michael Lewis, 27, Delphos, was reported to be in fair condition Monday morning at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, where he was taken after being treated at Salina Regional Health Center.

Sheriff Glen Kochanowski said deputies still are investigating the accidental shooting, and they hope to speak again with Lewis.

“At the time, he was uncooperative,” Kochanowski said.

Kochanowski said a deputy was sent to Salina Regional to meet with Lewis after he was taken to the hospital by an uncle. He said Lewis told the deputy that he was alone outside his mother’s house at 2745 N. Hedville about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, using a pellet rifle to shoot at the shell on a picnic table.

Kochanowski said Lewis told the deputy that a pellet from the rifle hit the shell, causing it to explode. The bullet hit Lewis in the groin.

Kochanowski said the bullet apparently lodged near major nerves and arteries, which is why Lewis was sent to Kansas City.

Kochanowski said there was no indication in the deputy’s report that Lewis had been drinking alcohol prior to the accidental shooting.