BRIDGEWATER (WBZ-AM) -- A Middleboro Police officer was seriously injured during a Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Countil (SEMLEC) SWAT training exercise in Bridgewater Wednesday morning.
A joint SEMLEC-Bridgewater Police-Middleboro Police statement said the officer received "a serious wound to one of his hands" when a 37mm projectile loaded with training rounds exploded in his hands around 11 a.m.
The officer, who has not yet been identified, was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. His injuries aren't believed to be life-threatening.
"The officer was conducting high-level training as a member of our region’s vital SWAT unit when what appears to be a terrible accident occurred that left him with serious injuries," Middleboro Police Chief Joseph Perkins said in the release. "We wish our officer all the best as he receives treatment for his wounds."
Bridgewater Police are investigating--and believe the launcher malfunctioned.