Hunting accident leaves one injured, one charged

POTSDAM — An Ellenburg Depot man has been charged with the accidental shooting of another man while they were hunting Thursday morning near Dayton Road.

Bernard H. Sharlow, 38, Norwood, was shot in the stomach about 7:30 a.m.

He underwent emergency surgery at Canton-Potsdam Hospital and was taken to Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vt. Fletcher Allen officials said his condition was critical Thursday evening.

Ricky A. Brunelle, 43, was arraigned in Town Court at noon Thursday on a charge of second-degree assault and was released under the supervision of the St. Lawrence County Probation Department.

The men, who police said do not know each other, were hunting in a heavy fog when the shooting occurred. Police said Mr. Brunelle was about 50 yards from Mr. Sharlow when he shot with a Connecticut Valley Arms .50-caliber muzzleloader at what he thought was a deer.

"As soon as he realized he had shot someone, he was the first one on the scene administering first aid," state police Investigator Jared W. Duffy said after the arraignment.

"Before he left, he told me to make sure to tell the guy that he's sorry."

Mr. Duffy said Mr. Brunelle was the only hunter wearing orange hunting camouflage.

According to police, Mr. Brunelle and two other hunters carried Mr. Sharlow to the road, where he was taken to the hospital by emergency medical services.