By Dominic Abassi

Man hit with bullet while playing Lantzville golf course

Sep 5, 2017 | 4:50 PM

NANAIMO — A man left a Lantzville golf course with a bullet in his leg after what police say appears to be a freak accident that could have had “tragic consequences.”

Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said a man was dropped to the ground with “extreme pain” in his calf while playing the 16th hole at Winchelsea View Golf Course on Harby Rd. around 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 31.

He said the man’s leg started bleeding and he had to be helped off the course by other golfers. After driving home to Ladysmith, the pain persisted. O’Brien said after going to the hospital, the man was shocked to find out he had a bullet lodged in his calf.

“What we believe happened, based on our inquires, somebody was probably target practicing in the nearby bushes and an errant shot came out and struck him in the calf. Neighbours did hear some gunfire throughout the afternoon.”

O’Brien said the bullet was removed and the man is expected to make a full recovery. The fact the bullet, which O’Brien said likely came from some kind of rifle, didn’t exit the man’s leg leads investigators to believe it came from a significant distance away.

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He said it’s likely the person who fired the shot didn’t know it ended up hitting someone.

“We want to let them know there’s an extreme responsibility with firearms. We don’t think there’s anything intentional about this at all, just a freak accident, but it could have had tragic consequences. The number one rule of firearm safety is know your target, know what’s behind it,” O’Brien said. “You’re still responsible for every bullet you fire.”

Winchelsea’s 16th hole backs onto a large chunk of forested land. O’Brien said it is illegal to use a firearm within 100-metres of any dwelling and the course’s clubhouse would count.

“To use firearms up there, you have to be aware. It’s a multi-use area. There’s people hiking, walking their dogs, mountain biking. If you are going to target practice in that area, you have to be extremely cognizant where you’re setting up.”

O’Brien said their investigation is more about offering education as opposed to criminal charges. Anyone with information is urged to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi