Cop Shoots Self in Foot During Firearms Training

Upper Gwynedd Township Police Sgt. Stephen Gillen, a 23-year veteran of the department, was injured Tuesday afternoon when he accidentally shot himself in the foot while removing his firearm from his holster during shooting at a police range at 304 County Line Road in Hatfield Township Tuesday afternoon.

According to Hatfield Township Police, at 10:44 a.m., officers responded to their police range for an accidental discharge of a firearm. Officers found Gillen was injured, police said.

Gillen was conducting his annual firearms training, under supervision of two certified range instructors, police said.

Gillen went to remove his firearm from its holster, when it discharged and a bullet was fired into his left foot, police said.

Gillen was alert and was being treated by his fellow officers upon police arrival.

Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale transported Gillen to Abington Memorial Hospital for treatment, police said. Gillen was admitted as a Class III triage, meaning he was a patient for whom definitive treatment can be delayed without loss of life or limb.

Upper Gwynedd Township Police is continuing the investigation, police said.

Any inquiries will be referred to Chief David Duffy or Deputy Chief David Poirier at 215-699-5861.