A 17-year-old Cassopolis boy is in stable condition after he was accidentally shot by his cousin Wednesday evening in Cass County.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is reporting that Christopher Burnham was shot by Jeremy Faye, 20, of Cassopolis at around 8:43 p.m. in the 66000 block of Tharp Lake Road in Calvin Township.

Faye reported that he was checking a .22 caliber rifle to make sure it was safe and clear of any ammunition. Believing the rifle was safe, Faye began to set the rifle down and accidentally pulled the trigger, shooting Burhnam in the lower abdomen area. Burnham was transported to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment of his injuries where he is in stable condition.

Life Care assisted deputies at the scene, which remains under investigation.