Man shoots self in Kerkhoven, Minn., park, case under investigation

KERKHOVEN -- A 21-year-old Willmar man was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment of a self-inflicted gunshot wound that happened Sunday evening in a Kerkhoven park.

According to a news release from Swift County Sheriff John Holtz, Jordan Pierce shot himself in the chest with a 20-gauge shotgun with the second of two rounds fired that evening. Law enforcement and emergency medical crews were called to the park located near 14th Street North and Idaho Avenue around 9:25 p.m. Sunday.

Pierce was conscious and able to speak to officers when they arrived and located him in the park. He admitted to causing the self-inflicted wound. He was transported by Kerkhoven Ambulance to Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar before being taken by helicopter to HCMC for further care.

The case is under review by the Sheriff's Office and the results of the investigation will be forwarded to the Swift County Attorney's office for review.

Also responding were the Benson Police Department and Willmar Ambulance Service paramedics.