COVENTRY, R.I. (AP) – A veteran police officer was shot in the leg early Monday by his own gun.

The officer was working a traffic detail on the corner of Tiogue Avenue and Sandy Bottom Road shortly before 4 a.m. when his weapon fired.

Broadcast reports said the weapon was still in the officer’s holster when it discharged.

Police Capt. Scott Trafford told The Associated Press the department was still investigating how the weapon fired.

The wounded officer, an eight-year veteran, was taken to Kent County hospital and was expected to recover.

Police did not immediately name the officer.

AP-ES-07-19-04 0823EDT