'Jena 6' teen accidentally shoots self

MONROE, La., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A Louisiana teenager arrested in the racially charged "Jena 6" assault case has been hospitalized after accidentally shooting himself, his lawyer says.

Attorney Carol Powell-Lexing told CNN Tuesday that Mychal Bell, 18, was cleaning a gun when it accidentally discharged, shooting him in the shoulder.

Monroe, La., Police Sgt. Cassandra Wooten told CNN the wound was not life-threatening.

Bell was one of six black teens who faced adult felony charges in the beating two years ago of a white classmate in Jena, La. The incident came after months of racial tensions at Jena High School reportedly sparked by white students hanging a noose in a tree.

Bell pleaded guilty to battery in a juvenile court and served several months in a youth home before moving to Monroe, CNN said.