Cherokee County deputy injured in duck hunting accident on Monday

A deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is in the hospital after an accidental shooting Monday morning during a duck hunting trip.

County officials said confirmed Deputy Curtis Elkins tripped, causing his loaded shotgun to go off. Elkins was struck in the head and is in a local medical facility with what has been termed as non-life threatening injuries.

The deputy is alert and talking and doctors are waiting for swelling to go down before proceeding with treatment.