Investigation finds policeman wasn’t handling gun when shot in leg

WINNIPEG – An investigation has found that a Winnipeg police officer who suffered a life-threatening leg injury when his gun accidentally discharged did not have his hand near the weapon when it went off.

The tactical support team member had just finished a firearms training exercise earlier this month when he stopped at a restaurant to get lunch.

Police say he was holding his meal when his holstered gun spontaneously fired as he was getting back into his vehicle.

Three arteries in his lower leg were severed.

He applied a special tourniquet with the help of his partner to stop rapid and significant blood loss, and two nearby team members helped stabilize the injury.

The officer remains in hospital and the investigation into what happened continues.