BRUNSWICK

State police say an Aroostook County correctional officer was accidentally shot Monday night while parked at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro.

Wounded in the leg was Matthew Morrison, 33, of Mars Hill.

Morrison was shot by a second correctional officer, Matthew Benger, 24, of Portland, who works for Cumberland County, according to Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

The shooting took place inside a pickup truck owned by a third correctional officer — Cody Gillis, 25, of Brunswick, who also works for Cumberland County. Gillis also owned the gun.

The three men were attending the five- week basic corrections training program at the academy.

The shooting occurred at around 8 p. m. as the three men were leaving the academy grounds on an errand.

The 9mm handgun had been stored in the console of Gillis’ truck and Benger, who was a front seat passenger, was handling the gun at the time.

Morrison was sitting in the rear seat of the truck and Gillis was driving.

Morrison was taken by ambulance to MaineGeneral in Augusta and then flown to Maine Medical Center. He was expected to have surgery Tuesday.

The director of the Academy, John Rogers, said the three officers were in the fourth week of their correctional training and were staying at the academy.

Rogers said he will review the incident and is awaiting the final investigative report from State Police. The Kennebec County District Attorney’s Office will also receive a copy of that report.

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