Catasauqua Police Department officers responded to a report of a gun shot victim approximately 1:30 a.m. May 23 in the 100 block of Railroad Street, Catasauqua.

According to a news release from the department, “Upon arrival, it was determined [a 35-year-old male] had been outside after hearing a noise, which he investigated with a loaded shotgun.”

When the man did not find anyone, he reportedly went back inside. While he was unloading the shotgun, it accidentally discharged, police said, “with the projectile going through the wall and striking a television, and one pellet struck a 12-year-old juvenile in the neck area.”

The victim, who is a relative of the man, was transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to police.

The case in under investigation, the department said.