A Poland man has been charged with negligent assault after another man was shot in the foot during an apparent accident at an Austintown gun range.

Fifty-three-year-old Jan Mazur pleaded not guilty to the charge filed after a November 27th incident at the Training Range on Mahoning Avenue.

Mazur told officers he was attempting to make his firearm safe by clearing the chamber by pulling the slide back when he heard a loud yell.

Nearby on the ground was a 52-year-old Howland man who had been wounded in the foot.

Mazur told police he believed there was a misfire or ricochet that struck the victim who was yelling at Mazur, accusing him of practicing poor gun safety.

The victim was taken to Mercy Hospital for medical treatment.

Another court hearing for Mazur is scheduled for January 22.