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ST. JOSEPH (AP) -- St. Joseph police are investigating after a father accidentally shot his 11-year-old son in the cheek while discussing gun safety.

The St. Joseph News-Press reports that the boy sustained serious injuries Friday night while cleaning guns and planning a hunting trip with his father.

Det. Richard Shelton says "ironically enough" the father and son were discussing gun safety at the time of the shooting.

Shelton says the projectile lodged below the boy's jaw. The boy was able to walk to the ambulance. He was taken to a St. Joseph Hospital and then flown to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Authorities will present evidence to the prosecuting attorney for consideration of charges this week.

The name of the wounded boy wasn't immediately released.

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