HAMMOND | A veteran Gary reserve officer was fatally shot Saturday during a marksmanship practice at a public gun range.

Police officers from Gary, Hammond and Highland were training about 3 p.m. at Deb's Gun Range in the 6800 block of Kennedy Avenue when there was an accidental discharge from a .45-caliber handgun, Hammond Police Chief Brian Miller said.

The 49-year-old reserve officer, who was with the Gary force for 20 years, was struck in the arm and chest, Miller said. He was declared dead at St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers in Hammond a short time later, Miller said.

"There's apparently nothing here that indicates anything other than an accident," he said.

Highland police Cmdr. George Georgeff said his department's officer had gone to the indoor Hessville gun range to practice with a friend and was unfamiliar with the other officers.

"He did witness the incident, and he ran upstairs from the range and advised them to call 911," Georgeff said.

He said the officer grabbed a first-aid kit to treat the victim until the arrival of the Hammond Fire Department.

Asked if the fatally injured officer had fired the gun, Georgeff said he did not believe so, but he was not certain.

"Our officer witnessed it and gave a statement to the Hammond Police Department," Georgeff said.

Councilman Homero "Chico" Hinojosa, whose district includes Deb's Gun Range said the range is a small facility with only six booths.

Detectives from both Gary and Hammond police departments are conducting a joint investigation into the incident.

A spokeswoman for the Lake County coroner's office said information on the incident would be released today.