05/27/2026
ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING – NO THREAT TO COMMUNITY
Today at 4:21 PM, Deputies responded to the 2500 block of Hwy H near the St. Francois River, for a report of a gunshot with injury. A 34‑year‑old male victim was located adjacent to the St. Francois River with a non-life-threatening injury. Emergency Medical Services from the Wolf Creek Fire Protection District and the St. Francois County Ambulance District treated the victim. The victim was later transported by ground ambulance to a St. Louis area hospital out of precautionary measures.
Detectives were called to the scene and began investigating. Preliminary findings indicate the victim was walking near the river when he heard gunshots and realized he had been struck. The party responsible and witnesses on the scene were interviewed and released pending further investigation. This preliminary investigation indicates this was an accidental, isolated event and there is no threat to the community.
Upon completion, the report will be forwarded to the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.
When handling fi****ms, remember the 4 golden rules of fi****ms safety:
1. Treat all fi****ms as if they are always loaded
Even if you believe a gun is unloaded, assume it could be.
2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy
Your muzzle should always be pointed in a safe direction, a direction where a bullet cannot strike anyone or anything you’d regret damaging.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
Your finger should stay outside the trigger guard until you’ve made a deliberate decision to fire.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it
Before firing, know exactly what you are shooting at and what lies in the bullet’s potential path.
Stay safe and take care!
Sheriff Jeffrey S. Crites
