A 70-year-old South Kitsap man was taken to an area hospital after he dropped a firearm that discharged, striking him in the leg, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Scott Wilson, spokesman, said the incident happened about 12:41 p.m. on March 28 in the 3400 block of SE Soholt Lane.

Wilson said when deputies and paramedics arrived the man was found conscious and breathing.

The victim reported he was placing the 22-caliber revolver in its holster back onto a shelf. He said the gun dropped to the floor and it discharged a bullet that struck him. A deformed bullet was found 10 feet away from the victim, Wilson reported.

Deputies located  revolver and holster on the floor. They inspected the pistol and noted indications on the hammer of the revolver that were consistent with it striking a floor.

South Kitsap Fire and Rescue treated the man at the scene, then transported him to St. Anthony Hospital, Gig Harbor, for further evaluation and treatment.

Wilson said the discharge of the firearm appears to be accidental.