Sheriff: Rifle Goes Off Inside Truck, Injures 16-Year-Old Wis. Hunter

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 16-year-old Wisconsin boy is in the hospital after a hunting accident in Polk County, Wisconsin Sunday afternoon.

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the accidental shooting occurred in the area of 150th Street and 350th Avenue in West Sweden Township, Wisconsin, shortly before 4 p.m.

The sheriff's office says Michael Coen-Nelson of Frederic, Wisconsin, was driving a pickup when a .270-caliber bolt action rifle in the cab of the truck discharged. The bullet from the rifle passed through his right forearm and exited the rear of the truck cab.

A passenger, also 16 years old, flagged down a passing motorist, who helped provide medical aid until emergency responders arrived.

Coen-Nelson was taken to St. Croix Regional Medical Center and later airlifted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for further treatment to his arm.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is investigating the shooting.