A kayaker was shot on open water Saturday night in Anne Arundel County, Maryland Natural Resources police said.
David Seafolk-Kopp, 56, of Reston, Va., launched his kayak into Bodkin Creek from a friend’s home near Pasadena about 4:15 p.m. to go stargazing. About 10:30 p.m. he stopped paddling to take a rest and saw a bonfire and heard what sounded like a party, police said.
That's when he saw a laser-like red dot on his abdomen and suddenly felt an excruciating amount of pain, police said. The bullet entered just below the sternum, hit his ribs and lodged in his back.
Seafolk-Kopp wasn't sure exactly where he was on the creek, WBAL reported. He couldn't make it to shore until about 10:30 a.m. Sunday. He told authorities he paddled very slowly for fear of overturning and drowning.
"He recalls passing out for a little while but he's not sure how long," Department of Natural Resources police Sgt. Brian Albert said. "When he woke up it was still dark out."
For Seafolk-Kopp to be gone kayaking for a long time is not uncommon, authorities said.
He was taken to Shock Trauma with non-life-threatening injuries, and the bullet was removed and taken to a crime lab for ballistics tests, where state police determined it was from a .357 or a 9 mm.
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Seafolk-Kopp was released Sunday evening.
Maryland Natural Resources police and Anne Arundel County police searched the area by land and water to find evidence of the party or anyone who might know who the shooter is, WBAL reported.
Authorities said they believe the shooting was a random act and there is no threat to the community.
