Investigators offer views on shooting

CHAMPION -- Investigators are leaning toward a Champion man's gunshot wound being accidental or self-inflicted, according to a Trumbull County sheriff's detective.
However, Detective Sgt. Pete Pizzulo said nothing has been completely ruled out in the shooting of David Bennett, 43, who remains in critical condition in St. Elizabeth Health Center, where he was flown by helicopter. The probe is at a standstill until Bennett is able to speak to investigators, Pizzulo said.
Investigators think Bennett suffered the abdominal gunshot wound outside a house at 4731 Mahoning Ave. N.W., and they don't think anyone else was present when Bennett was injured, Pizzulo said. Bennett was found injured outside the house Wednesday morning.
The homeowner and occupant at that address has been ruled out as a suspect or person of interest in the case, Pizzulo said.
Bennett lives at 7070 Mahoning Ave., adjacent to Champion Golf Cars, 6907 Mahoning Ave., a golf cart sales and service business he owns.