Suspects Apprehended in Case of Angler Mistaken for Prey and Shot

Police in central China have arrested four suspects after a night fisherman was shot in the head by a hunting party who mistook him for game, The Paper reported Monday.

The incident occurred on the evening of October 8 in Nan County in Yiyang, Hunan Province. The victim, Li Chengming, 54, was fishing alone when he hid in tall grass upon seeing a vehicle approach, mistakenly believing it was a fishery patrol. Four men got out, one armed with a rifle fitted with an infrared scope, and opened fire at movement in the grass, hitting Li, according to the report.

After discovering they had shot a person, the group fled the scene and discarded the weapon, which remains missing, according to Li's sister.

Despite his critical head injury, Li managed to walk home. His wife called an ambulance, and he was rushed to a local hospital. He underwent surgery for severe brain injuries and a skull fracture and remains unconscious in critical condition.

Li's sister says medical bills have exceeded 200,000 yuan ($28,072), with less than half covered by the suspects' families. The lack of funds has repeatedly interrupted his treatment. Relatives also allege that the adult suspects tried to pin the blame on their 17-year-old accomplice.

Local police confirmed on Monday that the suspects are in custody and the investigation is ongoing.