Lodi officer recovering after shooting self

A Lodi police officer was released from the hospital today, two days after accidentally shooting himself in the hand at the city's firing range.

The officer's name was not released because the incident is considered an industrial work-related accident and is subject to medical privacy laws, interim Police Chief David Main said.

The officer is expected to return to regular duty after recovering.

He declined to release the officer's rank or current work assignment, saying only that the officer is a "veteran" of the force. Main added that he consulted with the city attorney's office regarding privacy laws and release of information.

At the time of the accident, the officer was alone in the shooting range in the basement of the former police station. The 210 W. Elm St. city building is home to a fire station and formerly held a courtroom, and it will eventually house the Finance Department.

The police department has safeguards in place concerning the shooting range, but they will be reviewed following this week's incident, Main said.

Officers regularly practice in the range, and they must pass periodic scheduled shooting tests. If they do not pass, they must undergo more training to improve accuracy and then take the test again.

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

First published: Wednesday, March 12, 2008