THOMSON --- A firearms instructor was placed on administrative leave Wednesday after an accidental shooting wounded a fellow law enforcement officer outside the Georgia State Patrol Post.

Larry Schnall, a spokesman for the Georgia Department of Public Safety, identified the firearms instructor as Sgt. Lee Robertson.

The instructor had been checking a weapon outside the patrol post about noon when it accidentally discharged, wounding Officer Johnny Pearson, authorities say.

Officer Pearson, who has worked several years for the Georgia Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division, was struck in the right leg, just below the knee.

He was taken by ambulance to Medical College of Georgia Hospital, said Capt. James Brummett. His condition was not made public.

Mr. Schnall said Sgt. Robertson will be paid while on administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation.

Mr. Schnall said the shooting occurred when Sgt. Robertson was inspecting a handgun, which reportedly had a problem.

The weapon discharged, and the bullet went through the trunk of a patrol car, then ricocheted out the side, striking Officer Pearson, who was standing beside the vehicle, Mr. Schnall said.