Connecticut man charged in accidental killing while hunting

LITCHFIELD, Conn. – A Litchfield man has been charged in the accidental shooting death of his friend during a hunting exercise in October.

The Republican-American of Waterbury reports that 66-year-old Danny Pregno was arrested Wednesday by state environmental police on a charge of first-degree negligent hunting, a felony that carries up to five years in prison.

Police say Pregno accidentally shot 65-year-old Richard Lesniewski on the grounds of the Harwinton Rod and Gun Club in Colebrook during a field training exercise with two dogs on Oct. 16. Lesniewski later died of a single gunshot wound.

Pregno was released on a $20,000 non-surety bond and is to be arraigned May 21 at Bantam Superior Court.

It's not clear if Pregno has a lawyer. No one answered a phone listing for him Thursday morning.