An 8-year-old Cynthiana boy is being treated at UK hospital for injuries sustained when his father's gun misfired.

It happened Saturday evening at a home on Saltwell Road in Nicholas County. The Nicholas County Sheriff says there was a gathering at the home and that those in attendance were skeet shooting. One man took out a shotgun that hadn't been used for a few years and went to load it. His son then reportedly walked in front of him as he went to close the gun. That's when the gun misfired, striking the boy under his right arm.

Dalton Ward was airlifted to UK hospital. Authorities on scene say he was alert and oriented at the time of transport.

The Nicholas County Sheriff says there are presently no plans to charge the boy's father as he believes this was just a horrible accident.