Track star shot by hunters who aimed at a deer

MATTAPOISETT, Mass. -- A close call for a star Massachusetts high school runner who was shot while out for a run with his friends.

Three track stars were on an afternoon run in a wooded trail in Mattapoisett. They heard gunshots and soon realized they were in the line of fire.

“We both jumped to the ground and as I jumped to the ground I felt something sting my leg,” said Mike Tiger.

The high-school senior was shot by a fragment of a slug went into his leg.

“It went almost right up the left calf and around. On the x-ray it showed it right here,” said Tiger.

Four hunters were apparently aiming at a deer.

“The hunters were really freaked out. One of them couldn’t even look, he was just so scared,” said Tiger.

The trail the teenagers were running on was about a mile away from the high school. Tiger’s friend, who happens to be a long-distance runner, sprinted back to the school to tell their coach that his teammate was shot.

“It’s kind of weird,” said David Friedman, who ran for help after Tiger was shot. “You don’t really think about what you say when your teammate gets shot. I walked in and he didn’t believe me at all.”

Tiger was taken to the hospital. He will be okay, but he will have to miss a few weeks of track - a sport he never imagined could be so dangerous.

“Never would expect someone would get shot while running. It’s just mind boggling,” said Tiger.

There is no word from police if the hunters will be facing any charges.

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