MARQUETTE, MI-- An NMU student from downstate has been arrested for accidentally shooting a woman in Marquette.
City Police say the incident happened Wednesday around 5:30 a.m. in a house at 518 Fisher Street. They say Nicholas Ireland, 21, of Grosse Pointe was handling a 45. caliber handgun in the living room when it accidentally discharged. Police say Ireland had taken the gun from another individual as a safety measure.
The bullet struck 21-year-old NMU student Lauren Cockels of West Bloomfield in her right knee. She was taken to Marquette General Hospital for treatment.
Officials say alcohol was a factor in the case.
Ireland was arrested on a two-count misdemeanor warrant for carless discharge of a firearm, causing injury and possession of a weapon under the influence. He faces up to two years, 93 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Ireland was released on a personal recognizance bond and is set to be arraigned Monday in 96th District Court.
