Watch CBS News

Pro-Hunting Group Calls For Charges Against State Trooper

NORTON (CBS) - The president of pro-hunting group the Sportsmen's Alliance is urging police to file charges against a State Trooper over an accidental shooting on New Year's Eve.

Off-duty Trooper John Bergeron shot Cheryl Blair while she was walking her dogs after mistaking one of the dogs for a deer.

Police have said they won't press charges, but the Sportsmen's Alliance President David Schutz
says in a letter to Norton police that Bergeron should be charged for careless use of a firearm.

Schultz says the accident reflects poorly on other hunters.

"The appearance of impropriety," he writes, "deserved or not, raises more than a few questions. How can we expect law enforcement to protect our lawful rights as responsible hunters or the rights or safety of the non-hunting public when "one of their own" doesn't seem to be accountable for a clear violation of law?"

Schultz says even if Bergeron is not charged, he should lose his hunting license.

Cheryl Blair remains in the hospital with a broken pelvis as a result of that shooting.

She has already undergone several surgeries to combat an infection.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.