Hunter struck by his own arrow in Wabash County accident

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 9:54 AM

By Staff report

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a hunting accident that occurred Saturday evening on Mississinewa Lake property in Wabash County.

At 6:41 p.m., Grant County Central Dispatch received a call requesting emergency medical services (EMS) to respond to the Dollar General in Sweetser, in Grant County, for a possible injury sustained in a hunting accident.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel located James Spangler, 49, of Sharpsville, suffering from a severe laceration to his left thigh.

Initial investigation revealed that Spangler was packing his hunting gear when his crossbow became caught on brush while lifting it from a shooting rest, causing it to discharge an arrow that struck his left thigh. He then returned to his truck and drove to the Dollar General.

Spangler was transported by Grant County EMS to MariIon General Hospital where he was treated and released.

Indiana Conservation Officers remind hunters to treat all firearms, bows and crossbows as if they are loaded and always keep them pointed in a safe direction.

Agencies assisting on scene were the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, Grant County EMS, and Swayzee Fire Department.