Wells River — A 17-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the hand this morning when he was attempting to unload a revolver, police said.

The teenager, who has not been identified, traveled to Cottage Hospital and was subsequently transported to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment and removal of the bullet from his right hand, according to a news release from Vermont State Police.

He is expected to recover, police said.

The incident took place at about 8:20 a.m. at 3334 U.S. Route 302, police said. The address includes self-storage units owned by 302 Storage. 

The boy was attempting to unload a .22 Ranger long revolver. 

“The Vermont State Police urges the public to always handle firearms in a safe manner and always maintain muzzle control, pointing the firearm in a safe direction,” police said in the release.

Posted online Thursday.