Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to better reflect the status of the investigation. 

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A man was hospitalized following a bizarre accidental shooting in Bellingham.

Bellingham Police spokesperson Megan Peters says that the victim and a woman were walking through a wooded area in the 3800 block of Bennett Drive on the morning of Friday, June 21, when they approached another man holding a fake looking gun.

When asked if the gun was real, the man said that it was and handed it to the victim. The victim, believing the gun to not be loaded, promptly shot himself in the leg. The gun’s owner then took his weapon back and ran off into the woods.

Medics transported the victim to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment.

Peters says they do not currently have any information about the whereabouts of the gun’s owner and there is not probable cause to make an arrest.

BPD says anyone who witnesses suspicious behavior or fears for their safety should call 9-1-1 or their non-emergency line at 360-676-6911.