Investigators say shooting victim saved by metal plate in neck

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — Investigators say a metal plate in an Oklahoma man's neck saved him from death or paralysis after being shot.

Robert Thurman told 911 dispatchers Friday that his sister Gretchen Thurman shot him, The Tahlequah Daily Press (http://bit.ly/2jL099J ) reported. Undersheriff Jason Chennault says the bullet apparently hit a metal plate in Robert Thurman's neck and ricocheted out and went through a door frame. Authorities say Thurman ran out of a mobile home and into a field after he had been shot.

Authorities say Deputy Derrick Grant arrived at the scene and found Thurman and his sister in the field.

"If not for that metal plate, he may have been paralyzed, at the least," Chennault said.

Thurman's sister was jailed for aggravated assault and battery with a deadly weapon, but was released Saturday after posting a $25,000 bond. Chennault says investigators are still determining what led to the shooting incident.

According to investigators, the metal plate in Thurman's neck was inserted as a result of a car crash years ago.

The investigation of the shooting will be forwarded to the district attorney for potential charges.