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Police Search For Man Who Shot Kayaker

PASADENA, Md. (WJZ) -- A kayaker paddling on a moonlit night was struck by a bullet. Now investigators are honing in on whom shot that man.

The incident happened Saturday night on Main Creek.

Meghan McCorkell has the latest on the investigation.

Police say that kayaker was out stargazing when a bullet struck him in the abdomen.

It's an incident that's shocked neighbors, police and the victim.

"He's probably equally as baffled as we are," said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police Sgt. Brian Albert.

David Seafolk-Kopp, 57, told police he was paddling his kayak on Main Creek near Bodkin Creek Saturday night. Between 10:30 and 11, he saw a red reflection glowing in the water next to him. That's when he was suddenly struck by a bullet in the abdomen.

"It's very quiet and that's why I kind of freaked out when I heard ambulances and sirens and everything," said Shelby Sos.

Investigators say the shot was possibly fired from a .357 or 9mm handgun and may have been a stray bullet. That bullet is now being analyzed at the state crime lab.

"It was a very low trajectory and low velocity," Albert said.

On Monday, police brought in K-9s to search the wooded areas around the creek.

"We have sent article-scent dogs that can locate anything that's not native to the area," Albert said. "Gun casing or a gun."

Seafolk-Kopp suffered a flesh wound. He tells police he passed out and didn't make it back to shore for 12 hours.

Friends of the victim are relieved.

"We're all really surprised to hear this and we're glad he's OK," said Adam Polatnick.

Investigators say they are confident they will find the shooter; it's just a matter of time.

Police say this is an isolated incident and they don't believe there is a threat to public safety.

Anne Arundel County Police say neighbors reported hearing fireworks in the area at the time of the shooting.

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