Driver Hit by Bullet While Driving in Meeker County

A man was hit by a bullet while he was driving on Highway 4 in Meeker County Friday afternoon.

The Sheriff’s Office says a deputy was parked alongside the highway in Union Grove Township when a vehicle pulled up. The driver began to exit the vehicle with blood visibly coming from his mouth. Authorities say 78-year-old James Poirot of Sherburn suffered an apparent gunshot would to the side of his face and head.

He was taken to Paynesville Hospital and then airlifted to HCMC for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicated an individual was target shooting on their family-owned land and an errant round struck the driver.