The Pennsylvania Game Commission is continuing to investigate a Dec. 28 incident in Philadelphia during which a man was struck in the shoulder by a bolt from a crossbow that was apparently sitting on an electrical box when it discharged possibly due to a mechanical failure.

Edward Schultz, 65, who lives near the power line where the incident took place, was treated at Temple Hospital and released Sunday.

Schultz was walking dogs along the power line in the rear of the 8200 block of Dorcas Street at 3 p.m. when he encountered James Brady of Philadelphia, who was posted along the power line hunting white-tailed deer with his crossbow. Schultz lives on Dorcas Street, according to the commission.

The two did not know each other, but Schultz stopped to talk to Brady, who said he placed his crossbow on a metal electrical box nearby, so it wouldn't be threatening and for safety. The box was about 5 feet high.

After a brief, cordial conversation, Schultz turned to walk away. When he did, he said he was hit in the right shoulder with what felt like a sledgehammer. The commission said he was struck by the bolt from the crossbow.

Brady was horrified and said that the crossbow was still on the box when it discharged, according to the commission. Schultz reported that he did not see what happened, but when he turned Brady was not holding the crossbow. It was on the electric box when he last saw it.

Brady tried to calm Schultz and called 911, but the line was busy, so he called his wife. She drove to an access road, where she was met by her husband and Schultz. They took the dogs to a home and drove Schultz to Jeanes Hospital. Brady's wife works at the hospital and called ahead. Schultz was stabilized and then transported to Temple Hospital.

A game warden interviewed both men and seized the Ravin crossbow for examination. Preliminary findings indicate there was a mechanical failure of the crossbow that may have contributed to the incident, according to the commission.