Authorities are investigating a shooting incident in Montgomery County that left the victim in critical condition. According to Red Oak Police, the Montgomery County Communications Center received a call just before 10-p.m. Wednesday, with regard to a shooting at a residence in the 400 block of east Coolbaugh Street. When officers arrived, they found 28-year old Cody Allen Keith Tunnell, of Red Oak, had suffered a severe gunshot wound to the face.

Red Oak Fire and Rescue personnel performed treatment at the scene before transporting Tunnell to the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. The man was later transferred by helicopter to Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, where he was reported to be in stable but critical condition this (Thursday) morning.

The Iowa DCI was contacted to investigate the scene, and a search warrant was obtained. Following a thorough forensic examination and interviews with witnesses to the incident, preliminary evidence gathered indicates Tunnell’s injuries are possibly accidental. Authorities say Tunnell may have thought the weapon he was handling was properly unloaded.

The case will remains under investigation until authorities can speak with Tunnell about the incident.