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Greg Schwarber takes the oath of office on Jan. 8, 2008, to officially become Middletown's police chief.Click to enlarge

MONROE — Middletown police Chief Greg Schwarber is recovering from a gunshot wound he suffered Friday, Nov. 28, at his residence on Todhunter Road.

Monroe police were called to the Schwarber residence at 1:25 p.m. on a report of an accidental discharge of a gun, said Sgt. Tom Cobaugh.

Schwarber, 54, was shot in the leg while cleaning a Glock .45-caliber pistol just minutes after giving his daughter a gun safety lesson, according to reports.

When officers arrived at the residence, they found Schwarber lying on the floor of his house with his leg covered by a towel. The pistol, which was behind Schwarber, was retrieved and secured.

According to the Monroe police report, "Mr. Schwarber stated that he was out teaching his daughter gun safety and shooting techniques. When they returned home, Mr. Schwarber was preparing to clean his weapons, when he failed to realize that his pistol was still loaded and accidentally shot himself in the leg."

The bullet entered his inner left thigh just above he knee and exited the other side before lodging itself in a wall, according to the report. The chief was transported to Atrium Medical Center for treatment.

The hospital did not release any information on Schwarber.

City Manager Judy Gilleland said Friday evening she had spoken to Schwarber and that he was recovering from his injury. She declined to comment further.

Schwarber could not be reached for comment Friday.

Staff Writer Ed Richter contributed to this report.