REEDSPORT — A Reedsport man told police Wednesday that he thought he was shooting at a nutria when he fired into the Smith River Tuesday and struck a man who was snorkeling.

William Roderick, 60, shot a .22-caliber rifle into the river near the 15000 block of Lower Smith River Road and hit Marcola resident John W. Chessman, 44, once in the head, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Roderick told investigators he had been house-sitting a nearby home and shot into the river from the deck. When he realized he had shot Chessman, Roderick went to the man’s aid, according to the sheriff’s office. Roderick had thrown the rifle into the river, but he later helped detectives find it.

Chessman was eventually taken to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. He was listed in serious condition this morning, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Deputies had initially arrested Roderick on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine Tuesday. Information of his arrest was not released Tuesday morning, though Roderick was kept in custody for questioning relating to the shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.

Along with second-degree assault, Roderick faces charges of felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of marijuana.

On Wednesday, he was lodged at the Douglas County Jail.