Thursday, June 15, 2023

Minersville Man Faces Firearms Charges After Accidently Shooting Self in the Leg

A Minersville man is facing firearms charges after shooting himself in the leg earlier this year.

According to Minersville Police, on Thursday, March 30th, 2023, around 11:0pm, Sergeant Jeffrey Bowers and Ptlm. Eric Wilson were dispatched to 111 Sunbury Street for a report of a gunshot victim.

Upon arrival, officers found Joseph Vuksta, with a gunshot wound to his leg.

Vuksta told police that he was putting a handgun away after cleaning it, bumped it off the table, causing it to discharge, striking him in the leg.

EMS arrived on scene and transported to him to the hospital for treatment.

A check of Vuksta's criminal history showed that he was convicted of or plead to offenses previously that would prohibit him from possession a firearm.

As a result, on June 15th, 2023, Sergeant Bowers and Ptlm. Wilson charged Vuksta with person not to possess or use a firearm, and recklessly endangering another person.

Photo provided by Minersville Police