On October 9, 2016, at approximately 6:53 P.M. the Oskaloosa Police Department responded to 208 3rd Ave East in reference to a male with a gunshot wound. Upon Officers arrival, the gunshot victim was identified as Zach Shafer, age 18 of 208 3rd ave East. Mr. Shafer initially advised officers that he had been shot by two black males in the groin area. After Shafer was taken to the hospital for medical treatment for his injuries he advised officers that he accidentally shot himself pulling up his pants while the handgun was tucked in his waistband. Mr. Shafer was admitted to Mahaska Health Partnership with nonlife-threatening injuries.
Mr. Shafer has been charged with filing a false police report, discharging a firearm within city limits, and carry concealed weapon. Carrying a concealed weapon is an aggravated misdemeanor, filing a false police report is a serious misdemeanor and discharging a firearm is a simple misdemeanor.

It should be noted a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.