A male was fatally wounded Saturday in an accident while friends were shooting rifles in northeast Moreno Valley, according to the Sheriff's Department.
The accidental shooting was reported about 11:12 a.m. Dec. 21 in the area of Reche Canyon and Locust Avenue, north of the 60 Freeway, sheriff's Investigator James Merrill said in a statement.
"Officers arrived within minutes and located a Hispanic male suffering from a gunshot wound," Merrill said. "Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene, and rendered medical aid to the injured male."
The wounded male was taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment but he succumbed to his injuries was pronounced deceased, Merrill said. His name, age and hometown were withheld pending notification of his family.
"Detectives from the Moreno Valley Police Department responded and assumed the investigation," Merrill said. "The investigation revealed that two friends were in the county area shooting rifles, when one of the rifles discharged striking one of the males.
"The non-injured male called 911 and attempted to guide in law enforcement. With the use of the Riverside Sheriff's helicopter, the males were located and officers were directed to them to help render aide," Merrill said.
Anyone with more info was urged to call Investigator Matt Posson of the Moreno Valley Police Department at (951) 486-6700.
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