Man shoots himself while combating raccoon at back door

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- A Connecticut man, attempting to confront a raccoon, accidentally shot himself in the leg while sneezing, police said.

James Pace Sr., 81, of New Haven told police who responded to Yale-New Haven Hospital Saturday evening he was armed with a .22 caliber rifle as he waited for a wild raccoon who continually scratched at his back door.

While waiting he sneezed, fell out of his chair and accidentally shot himself in the shin, Pace told police.

Pace's son drove him to the hospital, The Hartford Courant reported.

Police said his injuries are not life-threatening.